This study aims to investigate the cultural heritage of downtown Mogi das Cruzes city, discussing the concepts of cultural heritage, regarding its origins, practices and policies. The first part of this study analyses the formation, evolution and legislation of the city and its existing conservation policies; the second part presents a case study about heritage programs in similar cities in the state of Sao Paulo, such as São Carlos and Sorocaba; and the third part regards the major components of downtown Mogi das Cruzes's cultural and architectural heritage. At the end, it suggests alternatives to complement the current preservation policies of Mogi das Cruzes.
