Sao Paulo
Dusk falling over São Paulo
São Paulo (Portuguese for Saint Paul) is the capital of the state of São Paulo in the South East of Brazil. It is located at 23°32′36″S, 46°37′59″W
The city has an area of 1,523.0 square kilometres (588 sq mi) and a population of 11,016,703 (2006 IBGE estimate), which makes it the most populous in the southern hemisphere (metro area: about 19 million).
People from the city of São Paulo are known as paulistanos, while paulista designates anyone from the whole of São Paulo state, including the paulistanos. The city's Latin motto is Non ducor, duco, which translates as "I am not led, I lead". A famous nickname for the city is "Sampa".
São Paulo is also known for its smog, the sheer size of its helicopter fleet, unreliable weather, and multitude of skyscrapers, holding the 7th position in the skyline ranking and with the 3rd biggest skyline, first and second which are New York and Hong Kong.
Climate
According the Köppen climate classification São Paulo has a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures seldom reach 30 °C (86 °F) during summer, while frost is rare during winter. All-time record temperatures are 35.3 °C (96.6 °F) in November 15, 1985 and -2.1 °C (28 °F) in August 2, 1955 (both at the Mirante de Santana National Weather Station, in the north region). In the mountains around the city (Horto Florestal), -3.9 °C (25 °F) were registered also in August 2, 1955 (unofficially). Snow flurries were reported officially just on one occasion in June 25, 1918. Rainfall is abundant, especially in the warmer months, but rare between June and August. Neither São Paulo nor the nearby coast has ever been hit by a tropical cyclone, and tornadic activity is uncommon.
Sites of interest
São Paulo is a major cultural centre. The city has an ethnically diverse metropolitan area, with heavy Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Arab and Japanese influences.
The city is known for its varied and sophisticated cuisine, ranging from Chinese to French, from fast food chains to five star restaurants. There are approximately 52 different types of cuisines in São Paulo, and more than 12,000 restaurants[9]. Other venues such as bars, pubs, lounges and discos cater to a variety of music tastes.
São Paulo is home to the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and "Pinacoteca do Estado" art museums, a symphonic orchestra (São Paulo State Symphony (OSESP), and a Formula One Grand Prix racing circuit (Interlagos).
Sights
Museu Paulista
- Praça da Sé (Large square next to the São Paulo Cathedral. Official center of the city)
- Edifício Itália (skyscraper with observation deck)
- Banespa Building (skyscraper with observation deck and museum)
- Pátio do Colégio (founding site of the city)
- Catedral da Sé (the metropolitan cathedral, a symbol of the city)
- Museu do Ipiranga (a museum built in honor of the proclamation of the independence of Brazil)
- Solar da Marquesa (a rare example of 18th century architectural style)
- Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo (designed by Ramos de Azevedo in 1897)
- Avenida Paulista (one of the most important thoroughfares of the city and the site of many cultural centers and museums, such as the MASP and Centro Cultural Itaú)
- Ibirapuera Park (the second largest park of the city (Parque do Carmo is the biggest), is also home to several museums. It is known for its buildings designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, such as the Oca and the new Ibirapuera Auditorium)
- Edifício Copan, also designed by Oscar Niemeyer, in the Centro neighbourhood. Built between 1951 and 1966, its wavy shape gives the building an impression of movement, and the integration of small businesses and residential flats are of innovative urbanism. Rumour has it that Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders lived for 6 months in this building while touring with musician Moreno Veloso in 1994.
- Museum of the Portuguese Language, in the train station of Luz.