“Tallest in South America from 1960 to 1972,” that’s a boast the Mirante do Vale once held. Today we stand before a building steeped in history. The Mirante do Vale is more than just a skyscraper. It’s a landmark that has witnessed the evolution of São Paulo.
Constructed between 1959 and 1966 the Mirante do Vale was designed by Waldomiro Zarzur and Aron Kogan. This 170-meter edifice initially known as Palacio Zarzur Kogan, changed its name in 1988. It occupies a location at the intersection of Prestes Maia Avenue, Pedro Lessa Square, and Brigadeiro Tobias Street in the Vale do Anhangabaú.
For 54 years it reigned as the tallest in São Paulo until 2022. Before the Millennium Palace Residence in Balneário Camboriú in August 2014, it held the title of Brazil’s tallest skyscraper as well. Its 51 stories house 146 shops and 812 offices. It even features a heliport and a restaurant on the 4th floor.
Interestingly the Mirante do Vale sits in Vale do Anhangabaú. Because the Mirante do Vale is located in a valley, it’s on lower ground. This makes it appear shorter than buildings like Edifício Itália or Altino Arantes Building.
Despite its height and central location many Brazilians aren’t aware of it. One reason for this is that the Mirante do Vale is not generally open to the public.
However, access to the top can be granted with special permission. From the top one can observe the entire region of Downtown São Paulo. The view stretches as far as Paulista Avenue.
If you can’t get access to the top, there are other options. You can get a bird’s-eye view of Mirante do Vale from the observation decks of either the Altino Arantes Building or the Edifício Itália.
Sampa Sky, São Paulo’s latest attraction is perched atop the historic Mirante do Vale building. Sampa Sky presents two exhilarating glass boxes that daringly extend outside the building, suspending visitors 150 meters above the bustling city. Our adventure brought us to the 42nd floor of the iconic Mirante do Vale building. Once the tallest skyscraper in Brazil, this towering edifice has lovingly embraced the Sampa Sky.
The building was known as the Palácio Zarzur Kogan until 1988. During certain periods, the concrete lattice structure at the top of the building supported large neon signs. These signs advertised various brands like Fanta and Sharp.
So next time you’re looking out across the São Paulo skyline remember the Mirante do Vale. Remember its history, its height and the stories held within its walls. It’s a true giant of São Paulo.