In the middle of skyscrapers and business excitement in São Paulo, downtown is also the home of Pateo do Collegio, cradle of one of the most important metropolis in the world.

In this location, São Paulo was founded, after building a small mud wall hut where 13 Jesuits were together, like José de Anchieta and Pe. Manoel da Nóbrega, dedicated to catechize native Indians. At that time, placed up on the hill and surrounded by Tamanduateí and Anhangabaú rivers, this area, named Vila São Paulo de Piratininga, was a strategic security option.

Official foundation happened on January 25, 1555, this is also the date of apostle Paul (Paulo, in Portuguese) conversion, giving name to the city. In December, 1556, this house was enlarged to receive the college for Jesuits. In 1759, Marquês de Pombal ordered to banish religious men, and then Pateo do Collegio became Palácio dos Governadores (Governor’s Palace) from 1765 to 1908. At that time, part of the church’s collection was lost after a collapse.

The area recovered its original vocation from 1932 to 1953, when was then changed into Secretariat of Education. In 1954, Companhia de Jesus started a project to rebuild the college, which had just been finished in 1979, when Padre Anchieta Museum and Beato Anchieta Church were founded.

Today this complex houses cultural activities. This seven-room museum has sacred art collection exhibition, Art Gallery, Indian objects, a XVI century model, baptismal bowl, and José de Anchieta’s personal articles, and other things.

Padre Antonio Vieira Library holds a precious collection of books on arts. Visitors may assist a mass celebrated by Jesuits. Congresses, courses, handicraft and painting workshops and classical music presentation are part of project ‘Vem pro Pateo no Domingo’ (Come to Pateo on Sunday) held every third Sunday in the month.

As one of the main symbols of the history of São Paulo, this name is still written in old Portuguese, keeping its original spelling. Travel back in time and surprise you with the beginning of one of the most important city in Latin America.

Service:
Pateo do Collegio
Praça Pateo do Collegio, 2 - Downtown - São Paulo (Sé subway station)
Phone: (5511) 3105-6898
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Website: www.pateocollegio.com.br
Time: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. Guided tours must be scheduled from Monday to Friday, from 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm
Price: Museu Anchieta: R$ 5 for adults, R$ 2.50 for students, R$ 1 for public school student and free for children from seven and people over 60. Pateo entrance is free