Founded in 1824, São João da Boa Vista developed in a region characterized by its mountainous terrain, nestled within the valleys and hills of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. This particular geography, coupled with the 19th-century coffee boom, drew immigrants from Italy, Germany, Syria and Lebanon, Spain, and Portugal. These newcomers settled here, each group leaving its mark on the local culture. Architecturally, this blend of influences is evident in the way buildings adapted European neoclassical and eclectic styles to suit the regional climate and available materials, as seen in the prevalent use of locally sourced bricks and clay tiles, as well as the decorative elements that echo the traditions of these diverse immigrant communities.

The Escola Estadual Coronel Joaquim José school, the Museu Histórico e Pedagógico Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira and the City Hall stand as historical edifices featuring the eclectic architectural features typical of public buildings built in the early 20th century.

The Catedral São João Batista, an architectural landmark built in the neo-Gothic style and inaugurated in 1917, stands out in the city for its wooden ceiling, chandeliers, and walls adorned with vibrant decorative designs. The Paróquia Santuário Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro parish, meanwhile, preserves the craftsmanship of its time through details like carved woodwork in geometric patterns, colorful stained-glass windows, and its distinctive mosaic-style tiled floor.

The region surrounding São João da Boa Vista offers various attractions in neighboring cities. São José do Rio Pardo, about fifty kilometers away, is where the great Euclides da Cunha wrote his masterful work Os sertões, or Rebellion in the Backlands, while working on the construction of a bridge. Both the house where he lived, with its colonial architecture, and the cabin he used near the construction site have been preserved. The city is also known as the Capital of Marching Bands and hosts a major annual event featuring a wide range of performances. Just thirteen kilometers from São João da Boa Vista, Águas da Prata stands out for its numerous natural springs and the Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, a natural pilgrimage site. The town also features a distinctive collection of historic houses and a beautifully restored hotel.

Espírito Santo do Pinhal, located thirty kilometers away, was one of the key cities during the coffee boom. Today, its land is used for the production of high-quality grapes and wines. The city also features many well-preserved mansions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which make up an important part of its architectural and historical identity. The Igreja Matriz do Divino Espírito Santo church stands out for its richly decorated interior, featuring gilded ornaments and a unique crown-shaped pulpit.

São João da Boa Vista also offers strong road connectivity, with dual carriageway highways connecting it to São Paulo, making access to both the city and the surrounding region easy and convenient. The nearest airport, Viracopos, in Campinas, is about 150 kilometers away and offers a wide range of national and international flights. Its strategic location also makes it easy to explore both the city and the surrounding towns, each offering its own historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

Nearest international airport: Viracopos (VCP)
Distance to nearest airport: 147 km
Distance to São Paulo: 216 km
Distance to GRU Airport: 233 km