Founded in 1856, Ribeirão Preto has strong ties to agriculture, particularly coffee and sugarcane. Its blend of historical heritage and modernity offers a diverse range of landscapes and settings.

Situated in an area of highly fertile soil, Ribeirão Preto was once home to some of Brazil’s largest coffee plantations. In the late 19th century, the growing demand for labor brought thousands of Italian immigrants to the region, leaving a lasting impact on the city. This history is preserved at the Casa da Memória Italiana, a neoclassical mansion adorned with floral friezes and stonework on its façade. Originally a private residence, the house features spacious and well-designed rooms. One of the most notable legacies of this immigration is the nickname “terra roxa” [red earth, or terra rossa, in Italian], a name derived from its distinctive reddish hue.

Overlooking Praça XV de Novembro square is Theatro Pedro II. Inaugurated in 1930, it is one of Brazil’s most prestigious theaters, known for its historical significance and seating capacity. Its neoclassical façade, combined with the sophistication of its interior, reflects the wealth and influence of the coffee elite of the time. Meticulously preserved and still in operation, the theater remains one of the city’s more renowned cultural landmarks.

The city is home to churches in a variety of architectural styles, reflecting the region’s rich cultural diversity. Among them, the Catedral Metropolitana de Ribeirão Preto São Sebastião stands out with its neo-Gothic design characterized by soft pink hues, large stained-glass windows in vibrant colors, towering pillars and arches, and intricate gold-leaf details.

Another architectural highlight is the Biblioteca Sinhá Junqueira library, which blends the historic charm of a grand mansion with the functionality of a modern space. The original building, with its brick façade, decorative reliefs, and stained-glass windows, has been revitalized and expanded, creating a unique setting that honors its heritage while offering comfort and accessibility to visitors.

Ribeirão Preto also boasts a diverse natural landscape, blending urban green spaces—such as parks and woodlands—with the gentle rolling hills and valleys typical of the region. The scenery is further enriched by vast agricultural areas, particularly the sprawling sugarcane plantations.

Just over eighty kilometers away, Santa Rita do Passa Quatro has retained its colonial architecture and historic landmarks. One of its highlights is the Museu da Psiquiatria, housed within an architectural complex reminiscent of early psychiatric hospitals with large buildings, long corridors, and enclosed courtyards—architectural elements that evoke the segregation and isolation once imposed on patients. Due to the city’s limited economic development over the years, much of the historic townscape remains intact, making a walk through its center feel like stepping back in time.

Ribeirão Preto boasts a robust infrastructure tailored for audiovisual productions. The city offers convenient access via its airport, with daily flights to major hubs, well-maintained highways, and a reliable urban transit system. Its hospitality sector features a wide array of dining and lodging options, from renowned hotel chains to charming boutique hotels. Moreover, the city is home to specialized audiovisual service providers and seasoned industry professionals.

With its diverse landscapes and comprehensive support infrastructure, Ribeirão Preto stands as an ideal location for film and television productions. Its proximity to its neighboring cities, with their preserved colonial buildings and museums, adds to the historical significance of the region.

Nearest international airport: Viracopos (VCP)
Distance to nearest airport: 234 km
Distance to São Paulo: 315 km
Distance to GRU Airport: 333 km