São Carlos Cathedral, Cathedral in São Carlos, Brazil

Catedral de São Carlos is a Catholic cathedral on Dom José Marcondes Homem de Melo Square, between Conde do Pinhal and Treze de Maio streets. Its dome, over 70 m high and 30 m in diameter, replicates that of St. Peter's Basilica. The project was by engineer Emanuel Gianni, with a model by Ernfrid Frick and structural design by Lafael Petroni. Inside are stained glass by Lorenz Heilmair, Carrara marble altars and a Way of the Cross by Almira Ragonesi Bruno.

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.

The cathedral is named for Saint Charles Borromeo, patron saint of the Arruda Botelho family, who owned the land and founded São Carlos in 1857. A wooden image of the saint from the city's founding, with head and hands carved in wood, stands in the church. Since December 2008 the cathedral has been part of the religious tourism route Caminho da Fé.

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 2006 exterior lighting, with more than 270 light points, won third place in the 2007 City People Light Award, behind Heinsberg in Germany and Geneva in Switzerland. The old clock of the earlier church tower was dismantled and given in 1955 to the Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, where it still runs.