A closed press section in a paper machine is disclosed in which all of the press nips in which substantial dewatering occurs are formed between one or the other of two smooth-faced center rolls and hollow-faced press rolls. The web runs between the nips adhering to the surface of one or the other smooth-faced center roll from the first nip to the last nip along a substantially S-shaped path so that opposite surfaces of the web contact the surfaces of respective ones of the smooth-faced center rolls. The frame construction of the press section includes front and rear frames between which an intermediate space is defined which is open or openable at its top, the front and rear frames not being connected to each other above the press roll combination, at least not permanently. The first center roll is supported on the front frame while the second center roll is supported on either the rear frame, on a separate front part of the rear frame, or on a separate intermediate frame. The frame construction, press fabrics and press rolls are arranged such that the open-topped intermediate space between the front and rear frames is used to facilitate the replacement of the press rolls and at least the upper press fabrics.