The Basílica Nossa Senhora do Carmo is Campinas's most prominent church, a substantial neoclassical structure on the edge of the historic centre. Construction began in the 1810s and the church was elevated to a basilica in the 20th century. The twin towers and clean white façade are a landmark in an otherwise dense downtown streetscape.
Inside, the basilica is restrained by Brazilian church standards — calm and cool, with good natural light through the high windows. It is not a spectacular interior on the level of colonial Baroque churches in Ouro Preto or Salvador, but it has a quiet dignity worth five minutes of your time if you are already in the neighbourhood. Mass is held daily; outside service times the church is generally open to visitors.