Founded in 1610, Itu is celebrated for its rich historical and cultural legacy, showcased by its numerous churches and religious buildings, as well as the whimsical “Praça dos Exageros” (Exaggeration Square), famous for its large-scale, oversized objects. The city rose to prominence during the Brazilian Empire as a hub for coffee production and commerce, drawing Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish immigrants whose cultural influence is evident in its baroque churches.

Itu played a pivotal role in Brazil’s republican movement, being the birthplace of the nation’s first civilian president. The city has preserved a valuable array of 19th-century architecture. In the historic center, the Casa Imperial, the house where Princess Isabel sojourned in 1884, stands out for its intricately carved wooden doors and stained-glass windows, as well as a curated collection of antique furniture. The Museu da Energia de Itu, situated in an 1847 colonial mansion, offers visitors a panorama of the region’s historical colonial architecture.

Itu’s historic center features cobblestone streets and plenty of tree-lined squares and parks, which preserve the old city’s charm. Praça Padre Miguel (also known as Praça da Matriz, or Parish Church Square) and Praça Regente Feijó squares constitute important meeting points and are home to several historic structures.

FAMA Museu, housed in the former Companhia Fiação e Tecelagem São Pedro, a textile company, stands out for its preservation of early 20th-century industrial architecture, seamlessly integrated into a contemporary art exhibition space. The original brick warehouses, with their spacious open interiors, have been transformed into galleries, creating a striking contrast between the city’s industrial past and modern and contemporary art.

In the rural area of Itu, Fazenda da Concórdia was an important 19th-century coffee production hub. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, painted in shades of blue and white, offers a vast setting, ripe for exploration.

Parque do Varvito is considered a “São Paulo Geological Landmark.” Its rock formations, created through the successive layering of sediments, date back over 280 million years to a time when the region was covered by a glacial lake.

About twenty-seven kilometers from Itu, Porto Feliz is a town known for its colonial architecture, historic churches, and scenic natural landscapes. In the 17th century, it was a departure point for the famous Bandeirantes explorers as they ventured into the interior, navigating the Tietê River. Remnants of this era can still be found today. One of the town’s unique attractions is the “weeping grotto,” a natural formation that has become a local landmark.

Boituva, forty-five kilometers away, is a major hub for skydiving and hot-air ballooning. The city hosts the Brazilian Hot-Air Ballooning Championship, drawing enthusiasts from across the country.

Itu and its surrounding region combine historic and natural locations with a well-developed support infrastructure. Its proximity to São Paulo provides easy access to audiovisual services, while airports such as Viracopos provide streamlined transport logistics. With a wide range of accommodations, dining options, and versatile settings, the area meets the demands of large production teams.

Nearest international airport: Viracopos (VCP)
Distance to nearest airport: 41 km
Distance to São Paulo: 100 km
Distance to GRU Airport: 120 km