São Carlos Cathedral

Catedral de São Carlos is a large church building with a grand dome rising 70 meters high and measuring 30 meters across, designed following the style of Saint Peter's Basilica. The structure sits as a main religious building in the city with classical architectural proportions throughout.

The site began as a wooden chapel built in 1856 and dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, marking the start of religious gatherings at this location. The current monumental building emerged from these early foundations as the city grew.

Stained glass windows created by artist Lorenz Heilmair fill the interior with colored light, while marble decorations throughout the space shape how visitors experience the place. These artistic elements work together to create the visual character people encounter inside.

The building serves as a central landmark in the city and is easily located, especially when illuminated at night from the Washington Luis highway approach. Regular religious services and ceremonies happen throughout the week and year for anyone wishing to visit.

The dome glows with nighttime illumination visible from the Washington Luis highway, turning it into a recognizable symbol of the city for anyone arriving by car. This lighting choice creates an especially distinctive impression of the place when approaching after dark.