Campinas offers a range of very different cultural and experiential attractions: the Catedral Metropolitana combines a long construction history with art inside, while the Torre do Castelo brings together a technical function and city views. There is also railway history, a cultural center and a pedal boat ride in Parque Portugal. This selection gives you several ways to choose the focus of your stay.
Cathedral, construction history and sacred art
Construction of the Catedral Metropolitana de Campinas began on October 6, 1807, and took more than 70 years. The cathedral was inaugurated on December 8, 1883. Its architecture can be understood through two specific features: it was built using the Taipa de Pilão technique, and its interior is designed in the Bahian Baroque style. The construction method and the interior offer different perspectives on the same building.
The Museu de Arte Sacra da Irmandade do Santíssimo Sacramento is also located inside. Dom Paulo de Tarso Campos founded it in 1967. The collection comprises 576 items, including paintings, sculptures, medals and furniture from the 18th to the 20th century. A visit to the cathedral can therefore offer a look at both its construction history and a collection of sacred art spanning a broad period.
Monuments and views
The zoo at Bosque dos Jequitibás also has several distinct milestones in its history of recognition. CONDEPHAAT designated it a heritage site in 1970; in 1993, CONDEPACC protected the entire complex. In 1995, IBAMA recognized the zoo. The distinctions in what was recognized are important: the years 1970 and 1995 refer to the zoo, while 1993 refers to the entire complex.
The Torre do Castelo is a 27-meter-high water tower. It was built between 1936 and 1940 and holds 250,000 liters of water. Six windows offer a 360-degree view of the city. The site thus combines a technical dimension—the tower’s height and water capacity—with panoramic views of Campinas.
Railway history and events
Estação Cultura was established in 1872 as a railway station for the Companhia Paulista de Estradas de Ferro. Since 2003, the building has housed a cultural center where shows and general events are held. Two periods of history thus meet at this site: its origins as a railway station and its later use as a cultural center. If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the dates in advance; the program changes.
The ABPF’s cultural tourist rides between Campinas and Jaguariúna, aboard steam locomotives, offer a different kind of railway experience. They have been running since 1984. The full route is 24 kilometers long and includes six stations. The ride is therefore defined by a specific route and several stops. For planning, it is advisable to check the schedule and booking options beforehand, as both may change.
Parque Portugal and the pedal boat ride
Parque Portugal was created in 1972, when the city of Campinas converted the former Fazenda Taquaral into a park. The park is commonly known as Lagoa do Taquaral. Visitors can take a pedal boat ride on Lagoa Isaura Talles de Lima. In addition to its history, the park therefore offers an activity on the water. If you plan to take this ride, check the current conditions in advance.
The experiences featured here differ in nature: the cathedral focuses on construction history and its collection, while the Torre do Castelo combines a water tower with views over the city. The ABPF ride follows a named route between two places; the pedal boat ride takes place on a lagoon in Parque Portugal. These differences can help you decide how to balance cultural sites, a railway experience and a park activity according to your interests during your stay in Campinas.
Discover more destinations: Poá, Santa Cruz da Conceição, Holambra, Nuporanga, Roseira, Itapevi, Areias, Sertãozinho.
For the overview of the wider region: São Paulo.
