Itu

Best things to do in Itu

Itu's Absolute Essentials

Itu is defined by its colonial heritage and its unique reputation as Brazil's "City of Exaggerations." This collection highlights the city's diverse landscape, from the 280-million-year-old rock formations at Varvito Park to the historic 1873 Republican Convention site. Visitors can explore 19th-century industrial architecture at the São Luiz Factory, the baroque artistry of Senhor Bom Jesus Church, and the whimsical oversized monuments at Praça dos Exageros, alongside the scenic rural heritage of Fazenda do Chocolate.

Itu's Absolute Essentials — Map

A

Parque Geológico do Varvito

A geological monument featuring sedimentary rock layers formed by glacial processes over 280 million years ago. The park includes exposed varvite walls, walking trails, and a grotto.

Projeto Itu SM1 / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Igreja do Senhor Bom Jesus

Constructed in 1763 on the site of the city's original 1610 chapel. The church features a Neoclassical facade and an interior decorated with sacred art and gold-leaf carvings.

C

Catarina Fashion Outlet

An open-air shopping complex located on the Castelo Branco highway, featuring over 200 international and national brands, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

D

Antiga Fábrica São Luiz

Established in 1869 as the first steam-powered textile factory in São Paulo state. This heritage site now serves as a cultural center, preserving its original industrial brick architecture.

E

Cruzeiro de São Francisco

A historic stone cross located in the city center, marking the site of the former Franciscan convent and church ruins.

F

Centro Histórico da Cidade de Itu

A preserved district featuring colonial and imperial-era buildings, cobbled streets, and the famous oversized telephone booth and traffic light in Praça Padre Miguel.

G

Praça dos Exageros

A theme park featuring giant sculptures of everyday objects, including a massive telephone, pencil, and chess set, reflecting the city’s humorous local folklore.

H

Portal da Estrada Parque

The entrance to the SP-312 scenic highway, which runs alongside the Tietê River through areas of Atlantic Forest and historical rural estates.

I

Fazenda do Chocolate

A historic farm offering tours of cocoa processing and coffee production. The site features colonial-style buildings, a chapel, and traditional regional food shops.

Marcos Steiner/Museu Republicano / Public domain

J

Museu Republicano Convenção de Itu

Housed in a 19th-century mansion, this museum marks the site of the 1873 Republican Convention. It displays documents, furniture, and art related to Brazil's transition from Monarchy to Republic.

Other Lists

Itu's Regional Heritage Parks and Protected Areas