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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere

Praça da Matriz Itu São Paulo
Best Time
Lively atmosphere

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

📸 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Itu's Exaggerations
Central Hub for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
🚶♀️ Explore the surrounding shops
The area around the praça is a commercial center with many shops and restaurants to discover.
⛪ Visit the historic church
The Igreja Matriz is a stunning example of Baroque art and a key historical site.
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!
🍦 Try the giant ice cream!
Indulge in the famous oversized 'picole ituano' for a sweet and memorable treat.
🚶♀️ Explore the surrounding shops
The area around the praça is a commercial center with many shops and restaurants to discover.
⛪ Visit the historic church
The Igreja Matriz is a stunning example of Baroque art and a key historical site.
🎉 Check for local events
Itu hosts festivals like Festa Italiana, adding extra vibrancy to the praça.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Praça da Matriz and its surrounding attractions are perfect for a day trip from São Paulo, offering a unique and fun experience.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Definitely! The oversized attractions provide a fun and unique backdrop for memorable family photos. Kids especially love them.
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.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for more pleasant photography. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
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.
Look out for 'lanches enormes' (huge snacks) like giant coxinha and the famous oversized 'picolé ituano' (Itu popsicle).
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.
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.
Most restaurants and lanchonetes in the city center will be open during regular daytime hours, often extending into the evening, especially on weekends.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Itu's Exaggerations
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.
Historical Significance of Praça da Matriz
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.
Praça da Matriz as a Community Hub
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit