Igreja da Matriz
1 / 10

Praça da Matriz Itu São Paulo

4.6
·198 reviews·, Brazil

Itu's Praça da Matriz, famous for its giant payphone and traffic light, embodies the city's 'City of Exaggerations' charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Igreja da Matriz

Praça da Matriz Itu São Paulo

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Itu's Praça da Matriz, famous for its giant payphone and traffic light, embodies the city's 'City of Exaggerations' charm.

4.6
(198 reviews)

"Itu's Praça da Matriz: where history meets humor with giant attractions and a beautiful church."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Snap those giant photos!

Don't miss the chance to take pictures with the giant payphone and traffic light. They're Itu's signature attractions!

🍦 Try the giant ice cream!

Indulge in the famous oversized 'picole ituano' for a sweet and memorable treat.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Payphone

Giant Payphone

Praça da Matriz

An iconic, oversized payphone that embodies Itu's 'City of Exaggerations' theme. Perfect for a fun photo op!

Oversized Traffic Light

Oversized Traffic Light

Praça da Matriz

Another colossal landmark, this giant traffic light is a testament to Itu's playful spirit and a popular photo spot.

Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária

Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária

Praça da Matriz

A beautiful church with Baroque art, representing a significant historical site and a cornerstone of Brazil's republic.

Praça dos Exageros

Praça dos Exageros

Near Praça da Matriz

A park dedicated to Itu's exaggerated theme, featuring more giant attractions and a fun atmosphere for all ages.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace Itu's Exaggerations

Itu is famously known as the 'City of Exaggerations.' Prepare for oversized attractions like a giant payphone and traffic light. These are the heart of the city's charm and a must-see for any visitor.

Central Hub for Exploration

Praça da Matriz is the vibrant center of Itu, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and banks. It's a safe, clean, and organized space, perfect for starting your exploration of the city's historical and quirky offerings.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
During festivals
Why
Cultural events
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visitamos Itu com @reviewsporsp ,cidade das coisas GIGANTES!!!! 📍Praça da Matriz , Centro , Itu-SP
@juliocasalnascimento
222K likes • 2.6M views

📸 Snap those giant photos!

Don't miss the chance to take pictures with the giant payphone and traffic light. They're Itu's signature attractions! Instagram

🍦 Try the giant ice cream!

Indulge in the famous oversized 'picole ituano' for a sweet and memorable treat. Reddit

A Praça da Matriz, oficialmente chamada de Praça Padre Miguel, é um dos principais pontos turísticos de Itu, São Paulo. No centro da praça, destaca-se o orelhão gigante, um dos símbolos da cidade, conhecido por sua grande proporção, representando o humor local de “Cidade dos Exageros”. O coreto, outro elemento tradicional, é um espaço de convivência e eventos culturais. A igreja Matriz de No...
itu_dicas
0 likes • 15.7K views
A Festa Italiana de Itu está chegando e os preparativos seguem em ritmo acelerado na Praça da Matriz. A Prefeitura trabalha intensamente para garantir conforto e segurança, com limpeza geral, estrutura segura, montagem de barracas, ligações elétricas e hidráulicas confiáveis e muito capricho para o tradicional evento.
prefeituraitu
1K likes • 34.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the surrounding shops

The area around the praça is a commercial center with many shops and restaurants to discover. Reddit

⛪ Visit the historic church

The Igreja Matriz is a stunning example of Baroque art and a key historical site. Reddit

Praça da matriz centro Itu SP São Paulo 🙏
jose_marcos_2005
11 likes • 424 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Snap those giant photos!

Don't miss the chance to take pictures with the giant payphone and traffic light. They're Itu's signature attractions! Instagram

🍦 Try the giant ice cream!

Indulge in the famous oversized 'picole ituano' for a sweet and memorable treat. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the surrounding shops

The area around the praça is a commercial center with many shops and restaurants to discover. Reddit

⛪ Visit the historic church

The Igreja Matriz is a stunning example of Baroque art and a key historical site. Reddit

🎉 Check for local events

Itu hosts festivals like Festa Italiana, adding extra vibrancy to the praça. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(198 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Praça da Matriz as the heart of Itu, praising its unique giant attractions like the payphone and traffic light, perfect for photos. The beautiful Igreja Matriz and the praça's clean, safe, and central location are also highlighted. Some visitors noted the church was closed during their visit, preventing interior exploration.

"Igreja lindíssima com arte barroca ! um prédio histórico que vale a pena conhecer ,independente da religião ou não religião , tive o prazer ainda de encontrar Manoel Gomes do Hit Manoel Caneta Azul. Igreja que representa o berço da República Brasileira pois Itu tem papel fundamental na construção do Brasil como conhecemos hoje, vale a visita ! a praça a frente é a dos exageros há um orelhão gigante ! tá na hora de colocar um startak Motorola na praça 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂"

Luciano Silva de Araújo

"Local agradável bem central, com algumas atrações em tamanho exagerado como semáforo, orelhão, tem também lanches enormes, como coxinha, sorvete. Bem legal"

Vanda Pires

"Ponto turístico não dá pra deixar de bater fotos nos objetos.
Itu bem acolhedora.
Voltarei com certeza"

Felipe Valle (Lipe)

What People Like

Giant, quirky attractions
Beautiful historic church
Safe and central location

What People Dislike

Church sometimes closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Praça da Matriz is centrally located in Itu, São Paulo. If you're driving, there's parking available nearby. Public transportation options might include local buses that stop in the city center. Many visitors arrive by car from São Paulo city, which is about an hour and a half away. TikTok

Yes, Praça da Matriz is the main square and a very well-known landmark in Itu, often referred to as the 'center' of the city. It's hard to miss with its prominent giant attractions. Instagram

For exploring the city center and its main attractions like Praça da Matriz, walking is ideal. If you plan to visit attractions further out, consider a taxi or ride-sharing service.

The most common route from São Paulo is via Rodovia Castello Branco (SP-280) towards Sorocaba, then taking the exit for Itu. Follow signs for the city center. Instagram

Absolutely! Praça da Matriz and its surrounding attractions are perfect for a day trip from São Paulo, offering a unique and fun experience. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Praça da Matriz is a public square and is free to enter and explore. You can wander around and take photos of the giant attractions without any cost. Reddit

As a public square, Praça da Matriz is accessible 24/7. However, shops and restaurants around the praça will have their own operating hours. The Igreja Matriz also has specific visiting times. Reddit

The giant payphone and traffic light are part of the public square and do not have an entrance fee. They are there for everyone to enjoy and photograph. Instagram

While the praça itself is free, special events like the Festa Italiana or festivals might have associated costs for entry to specific areas or activities. Instagram+1

The Igreja Matriz has its own visiting hours, which may vary. It's advisable to check locally or look for signs at the church entrance, as it was closed during one visitor's experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The giant payphone and traffic light are the absolute must-have shots! Also, capture the beautiful Igreja Matriz and the charming coreto (bandstand) in the center. Reddit+1

Definitely! The oversized attractions provide a fun and unique backdrop for memorable family photos. Kids especially love them. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed in the public square. However, if you plan to photograph inside the Igreja Matriz, it's best to check for any specific rules or ask permission. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for more pleasant photography. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances regarding drone usage in public spaces before flying. There are no specific mentions of drone use in the provided content.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the praça is surrounded by various shops, lanchonetes (snack bars), and restaurants offering a range of options. Reddit

Look out for 'lanches enormes' (huge snacks) like giant coxinha and the famous oversized 'picolé ituano' (Itu popsicle). Reddit

Lanchonetes typically offer more affordable options compared to full-service restaurants. Trying the local oversized snacks can also be a cost-effective way to experience Itu's food scene. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, many Brazilian lanchonetes and restaurants offer options like cheese pastries, salads, or vegetable-based snacks. It's best to inquire directly at the establishment. Reddit

Most restaurants and lanchonetes in the city center will be open during regular daytime hours, often extending into the evening, especially on weekends. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Praça da Matriz is a fantastic destination for families. The giant payphone and traffic light are guaranteed hits with children, providing endless photo opportunities and sparking their imagination. The nearby Praça dos Exageros park offers even more oversized fun. Instagram

It's a safe and clean environment, making it easy for parents to relax while the kids explore. Trying the oversized 'picolé ituano' is a must-do treat that kids will love. The central location also means easy access to amenities like restrooms and places to grab a bite. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Praça da Matriz offers unique subjects. The oversized landmarks are quirky and visually striking, perfect for creative shots. The Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária provides a more traditional, aesthetically pleasing backdrop with its Baroque art. Reddit

Consider visiting during the golden hour for the best lighting. The coreto also adds a charming element to your photos. While the praça is generally accessible, remember to check church visiting hours if interior shots are a priority. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Praça da Matriz is an excellent choice for budget travelers as the main attractions – the giant payphone and traffic light – are free to visit. You can enjoy the unique atmosphere and take plenty of photos without spending a dime. Reddit

To keep costs down, opt for snacks from local 'lanchonetes' rather than full-service restaurants. Trying the famous oversized snacks can be a fun and relatively inexpensive way to experience local flavors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Itu's Exaggerations

Itu's identity is intrinsically linked to its reputation as the 'City of Exaggerations.' This playful theme is most evident in Praça da Matriz with its iconic giant payphone and oversized traffic light. These aren't just quirky landmarks; they are symbols of the city's humor and a major draw for tourists looking for unique photo opportunities. The concept extends to other attractions, like the 'Praça dos Exageros' park, further cementing Itu's whimsical character. InstagramReddit

This exaggeration isn't just about size; it's about creating a memorable and fun experience for visitors. The oversized items invite interaction and a sense of wonder, making even a simple town square feel like an adventure. It's this lighthearted approach that makes Itu stand out and encourages repeat visits. TikTok

Historical Significance of Praça da Matriz

Beyond its playful exaggerations, Praça da Matriz holds significant historical weight. The Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária, located on the praça, is a beautiful example of Baroque art and architecture. More importantly, Itu played a fundamental role in the construction of Brazil as we know it today, often referred to as the 'cradle of the Brazilian Republic.' Reddit

This historical context adds another layer of appreciation to the visit. While enjoying the giant attractions, visitors can also reflect on the city's past and its contributions to national history. The praça serves as a central point where the city's vibrant present and its rich historical legacy converge. Instagram

Praça da Matriz as a Community Hub

Praça da Matriz is more than just a tourist spot; it's the beating heart of Itu. The praça is described as ample, organized, clean, and safe, making it a pleasant place for locals and visitors alike. It features a beautiful coreto (bandstand), a common feature in interior Brazilian towns, which often serves as a venue for local events and gatherings. Reddit

Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and banks, the praça is a true commercial center that brings life to the area. It's a popular meeting point for people, fostering a sense of community. Whether it's during daily life or special occasions like the Festa Italiana or Christmas decorations on the coreto, the praça remains a central gathering place. InstagramReddit

You may also like