The Igreja São José stands a few blocks from Praça Sete and is the most imposing church in the downtown. Built in an eclectic style with strong neo-Gothic influences and consecrated in 1907, it has a single tall central tower flanked by lower side aisles, and a strikingly tall interior with painted ceilings.
The church is normally open during the day; it is a useful stop on a walking tour of the centro. A small museum of religious art occupies one of the side chapels.