By Xiu Ying, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On the last Sunday of each month, Paulistanos, tourists or anyone interested may join a free walking tour through downtown São Paulo. The morning walk takes visitors through some of the major spots in the central region.
These include the Mário de Andrade Library, the Municipal Theater, the Anhangabaú Valley, the Martineli Building, the Santander Lighthouse, the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, the Patriarca Square, and the museum with the Shopping Light collection.
There are guides specialized in the city’s history and architecture who share facts that even Paulistanos themselves may not know. Attendance requires prior registration.
The tour sets off at 10 AM from Rua Martins Fontes, in downtown São Paulo. The meeting point is the Hotel Novotel.
According to Rodrigo Moysés, in charge of Shopping Light, the tour organizer, its goal is to encourage people to attend the Center more often and show them the city’s cultural wealth.
“The idea is to give back to the city of São Paulo a little of what it gave us, to give back to residents a little of what we have in our surroundings,” he says.
Walking Tour Through the Center of São Paulo
Date: always on the last Sunday of the month. An exception is for tours on special dates (check by e-mail).
Schedule: from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. Arrival 15 minutes in advance is recommended.
Language: Portuguese and English. Sign language is also provided on the anniversary of São Paulo (January 25th).
Meeting point: Rua Martins Fontes, 71, Centro. Departure from the Novotel Jaraguá.
Registration and further information: by e-mail [email protected] or telephone +55 (11) 3154-2299.