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Municipality in Southeast, Brazil
Photo: User:OS2Warp, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Itu is a city in Sorocabana, São Paulo, Brazil. The short name of the city hides its historical relevance, founded in the Colonial period and considered to be the birthplace of Brazilian Republic. A state-recognized resort town, Itu's main attractions are its valuable historical heritage, both in the city center and rural area of the municipality, and its recurring theme of "oversized things", ranging from urban decorations, handcrafts and even food.
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Praça da Matriz
Itu's most famous square contains the city's mother church, a nice collection of 19th century houses, and some oversized objects that honor the reputation of the city.
Itu's mother church was constructed in 1780, afterwards subject to various reforms, in the hands of renowned architects such as Ramos Azevedo and Paula Souza. Its interior contains paintings of José Patrício da Silva, Father Jesuíno do Monte Carmelo and Almeida Júnior.
One of the most photographed sights of Itu, it is a 7-meter high phone booth constructed by the now extinct company Telesp. It is now painted in purple colors and owned by VIVO.
The beautiful construction, adorned with images of four saints and four animals, is the former mother church of Itu, constructed in the place of the original chapel of Itu. Its current appearance comes from a reform made in 1765, and the church hasn't changed ever since.
A Colonial-style construction composed by church, monastery and other facilities. It was built in 1719, and has been rented gated and extended several times. Its interior has paintings of Father Jesuíno do Monte Carmelo.
Museum in the 19th century house where the first Republican Convention happened, former house of the Almeida Prado family. Owned by University of São Paulo, it is a museum about the history of the Paulista Republican party.
Old Colégio São Luís
The imponent construction was built as Catholic high school in 1867. After 1917, it became quarters for the Brazilian Army, a function that it retains until nowadays. Contains a museum with artifacts of the Army.
A state heritage site, the geological park, open to visit, contains rock formations that are at least 270 million years old.
A large square containing several oversized objects, including giant insects, pencils, chess pieces and an ATM. However, the real must-see is the giant statue of Simplício, the comedian who made Itu nationwide famous, sitting in a bench as he did in the TV show A Praça é Nossa.
Itu is 1 hour from São Paulo, and 20 minutes from the International Airport of Viracopos, in Campinas.
Read in the guideThe public transport of passengers in the city is reasonable and you can get anywhere in the city, there are many bus lines and varied schedules, travelers can consult the bus schedule website.
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Campinas · International · VCP
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