São Paulo – History

Prior to its discovery by Europeans, the area of São Paulo was known as Piratininga plains and was inhabited by the Tupi people. These people consisted of various tribes, many who lived in what is today the city center. The territory was divided into various chiefdoms during the first encounter with European explorers. Many indigenous tribes have survived to present day and are still in existence and recognized as native peoples of the land.

São Paulo was established as a Portuguese village on 25 January 1554. This was marked by the development of a mission built by a Jesuit college including twelve priests. These priests would ultimately work to evangelize the native people and work to convert them to Christianity. Over a period of more than 200 years, São Paulo initially developed as a relatively poor village due to its location and isolation in the center of Brazil.

In 1822, Brazil gained its independence from Portugal. It was at this time that São Paulo was named an Imperial City by Emperor Pedro I. In 1888 the abolishment of slavery in Brazil paved the way for a new wave of immigration. It was immediately after this period that large numbers of Italian, Japanese and Portuguese immigrants arrived and settled in the city. In 1889, Brazil became a republic. During this period, coffee export was the driving force behind the São Paulo economy. During the early 1900s, the city began to shift from a regional hub to a national metropolis. This included the industrialization of the city and an increase in the industries supported. This is visible even in modern day, with many of the city’s largest economic benefit deriving from cosmetics, chemicals and automobiles.

In 1932 São Paulo was the center of a coup d’état led by Getúlio Vargas who wished to take the presidential office. The coup marked the end of what was referred to as the ‘Old Republic’ and would be referred to as the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932. The fighting lasted a period of 87 days, with the city of São Paulo suffering significant damage to local infrastructure as a result. The event is commemorated with The Obelisk of São Paulo which is located in Ibirapuera Park and serves as a memorial for the initial casualties of the event.

Modern São Paulo is the result of a rich history that spans various political rules, battles and wars. While much of the city’s original factories are no longer in existence, the city is still well developed as a global leader in specific industrial exports. Today’s São Paulo is a metropolis complete with a well-developed financial center, legal institutions and more. Many of the city’s districts include a wide range of immigrants from around the world, including the largest population of ethnic Japanese outside of Japan.

Historical Locations

Monument to the Bandeiras

Address: Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, S/N, Parque do Ibirapuera, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, SP, 04001-070
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Monday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Tuesday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Wednesday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Thursday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Friday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Saturday 00:00am – 12:00pm
– Sunday 00:00am – 12:00pm
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

Estação da Luz

Address: Praça da Luz, 1 Luz, São Paulo, SP 01120-010
Phone: +55 800 55 0121
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

New Museum of the Portuguese Language (inside Estação da Luz)

Phone: + 55  11 4470-1515
Operating Hours:
– Monday closed
– Tuesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
– Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
– Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm
– Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
– Saturday 8:00am – 4:30pm
– Sunday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Admission Cost:
– General – R$20.00
– Concession tickets – R$10.00
– Saturday – FREE
– Children under 7 – FREE
Website

Avenida Paulista

Address: Avenida Paulista, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website