Altino Arantes Building

A 160-meter Art Deco tower from 1947, once South America's tallest building — with a panoramic observation deck over São Paulo.

The Edifício Altino Arantes — also known as the Banespa Building — is a 160-meter skyscraper in the heart of São Paulo. Built between 1939 and 1947 and modelled on the Empire State Building, it was for decades the tallest building in South America. Its 40 floors and distinctive Art Deco facade details continue to define the skyline of the Paulistano city centre. Originally the headquarters of Banco do Estado de São Paulo (Banespa), the tower is now a listed heritage building. From the observation deck on the top floor, visitors enjoy an exceptional 360-degree view across São Paulo's endless urban landscape.