Altino Arantes Building: A São Paulo Icon
Explore São Paulo's iconic Art Deco skyscraper, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture.
The Altino Arantes Building, often called the Banespa Building or Banespão, is a landmark Art Deco skyscraper in São Paulo, Brazil. Completed in 1947, it was designed by Plínio Botelho do Amaral, drawing inspiration from New York City's Empire State Building. The building served as the headquarters for the Banco do Estado de São Paulo (Banespa) and was the tallest in São Paulo for about two decades. Standing at 161 meters (528 feet) with 36 floors, the Altino Arantes Building offers stunning panoramic views of São Paulo from its observation deck on the 34th floor. Visitors can see landmarks like the Municipal Market, Sé Cathedral, and Edifício Itália. The building also houses the Banespa Museum on the 3rd floor, which chronicles the history of the bank and the building itself. The building's architecture showcases Art Deco style with streamlined, geometric forms and intricate details. Originally named the Banespa Building, it was later renamed to honor Altino Arantes Marques, the first Brazilian president of Banespa. The building reopened as a cultural and entertainment center named Farol Santander in 2018 after renovations.
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and get the best views from the observation deck.
- Bring identification, such as a copy of your passport, for entry.
- Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.
A brief summary to Altino Arantes Building
- Rua João Brícola, 24 - Centro, São Paulo, Centro Histórico de São Paulo, State of São Paulo, 01014-900, BR
- +55112196-3730
Getting There
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Walking
If you're in Centro Histórico de São Paulo, walking to the Altino Arantes Building is straightforward. Head towards Rua João Brícola, 24. The building is easily visible. From Praça da Sé, walk northwest. No costs are involved.
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Public Transport
Take the Metro to São Bento station. From there, it's a short walk to Rua João Brícola, 24. Alternatively, take a bus to Praça da Sé or Anhangabaú and walk a few blocks to the building. As of January 2025, a single metro or bus fare is R$5.20.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Use a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber to reach the Altino Arantes Building. Enter 'Rua João Brícola, 24, Centro, São Paulo' as your destination. Taxi fares have a base fee of R$5.6, and then charge R$4.0 per km. A 5km ride would cost approximately R$25.6.
