Franco da Rocha’s history stretches back to the 17th century, when gold-seeking explorers and tropeiros [muleteers] crossed the Juqueri plains on their way to Minas Gerais. Today, the town is part of Greater São Paulo.

Its growth accelerated in the late 19th century, with the arrival of the São Paulo Railway and the opening of Juquery station in 1888.

The railway brought new economic opportunities to the area, paving the way for its first industries. Stone quarrying was among the earliest, established by Italian immigrant Filoteo Beneducci.

As industrialization gathered pace, new buildings designed by the architectural firm of Ramos de Azevedo began to reshape the town. Among them was the Juquery Hospital Complex, which opened in 1898. Drawing on the French model of rehabilitation colonies, the complex soon became a landmark in the development of psychiatry in Brazil. Its neoclassical architecture, with neo-Romanesque influences, remains one of its defining features.

Franco da Rocha’s highland tropical climate lends itself to atmospheric filming, with seasonal fog and mist, humid air, and shifting light creating striking visual effects throughout the year.

Franco da Rocha’s town hall, Paço Municipal Juquery, occupies one of the hospital complex’s original pavilions, carefully restored to preserve its neoclassical features and symmetrical façade, which is heritage-listed by CONDEPHAAT, São Paulo’s heritage preservation council.

Set amid landscaped gardens, the Museu de Arte Osório Cesar also draws on neoclassical architecture. It honors the legacy of psychiatrist Osório Cesar, a pioneer in recognizing and championing art created within psychiatric institutions.

Franco da Rocha has one hotel with sixty beds and twenty restaurants, with additional places to stay and eat in neighboring towns, easily accommodating film crews during production.

With its historic buildings and the imposing Juquery hospital complex, Franco da Rocha is a natural fit for thrillers and stories set in hospital environments.

Nearest international airport: Guarulhos (GRU)

Distance to nearest airport: 55 km

Distance to São Paulo: 39 km