A Sacred Place Since 1978

The first temple built in South America. A landmark of faith, sacrifice, and hope for members across an entire continent.

Standing in one of the largest cities in the world, the São Paulo Brazil Temple occupies a beautifully landscaped tract of land on the western side of the city. Its clean modern lines and gleaming white exterior have made it one of São Paulo's most beloved spiritual landmarks.

1978

Dedicated

17th

Dedicated

1st

In South America

Our Story

1975

Temple Announced

President Spencer W. Kimball stood before the congregation gathered for the 1975 São Paulo Brazil Area Conference and announced the temple would be constructed.

1976

Groundbreaking

The groundbreaking and site dedication was held on March 20, 1976, by James E. Faust. Members across Brazil and South America made extraordinary sacrifices to help fund the temple.

1978

Temple Dedicated

The São Paulo Brazil Temple was dedicated October 30–November 2, 1978, by President Spencer W. Kimball.

2002

Major Renovation

The São Paulo temple closed in August 2002 for a significant renovation and expansion project. A gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni was added to the temple’s previously statueless single spire, 25 years after its dedication.

Today

A Living Legacy

The temple continues to serve members throughout Brazil and South America, welcoming the public to its grounds and Visitors’ Center to learn, reflect, and find peace.

Distinctive Design

The São Paulo Brazil Temple was designed by Emil B. Fetzer, Church architect, with a modern design featuring Spanish influence. The building was the first Latter-day Saint temple to use a single story, single spire design. Its elegant proportions and gleaming white exterior stand in striking contrast to the urban landscape of one of the world’s largest cities.

Reinforced concrete faced with cast stone composed of quartz and marble aggregates set in special white-base cement.
Single attached end spire with a gold-leafed angel Moroni statue, added in 2003.
55,000 square feet across two instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
Beautifully landscaped grounds featuring a decorative water fountain and colorful flowerbeds.
101 feet tall, situated at an elevation of 2,416 feet above sea level.

What Temples Mean to Us

Temples hold a special place in the faith and practice of Latter-day Saints around the world.

House of the Lord

Temples are considered the most sacred spaces on earth—places where heaven and earth feel close together.

Eternal Families

Marriages and family bonds are sealed for eternity, reflecting the belief that family relationships continue beyond this life.

Peace & Revelation

A place to step away from the world, seek guidance, and find clarity through prayer and quiet reflection.

Jesus Christ

Everything about the temple is meant to point one’s heart and mind to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

– Psalm 27:4

Experience It for Yourself

The temple grounds and Visitors’ Center are open to all. Come see this historic landmark and discover why it’s touched so many lives.