Jaú: Culture, Markets and Nature

Jaú combines a distinctive chapter in aviation history with Neo-Gothic architecture, cultural events and a protected area near the city. In town, you can explore historic sites and markets; the Festival de Inverno brings a varied programme. If you want to include both nature and city life in your trip, the Reserva Ecológica Amadeu Botelho is also a destination just 2 km from Jaú.

Church, aviation history and historic buildings

The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio stands in the centre of Jaú. Built in the 19th century, it features Neo-Gothic architecture: tall towers, colourful stained-glass windows and elaborate ornamental details shape its appearance. With the establishment of the Diocese of Jaú, it is set to become the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio and the mother church of the diocese. The new diocese’s most important celebrations will then be held there. Both its present-day architecture and its planned ecclesiastical role are therefore part of this place’s history.

The Museu Municipal José Raphael Toscano also preserves a special connection to the city’s history. In 2001, a room was created there for items belonging to Comandante João Ribeiro de Barros. He was from Jaú and was the first aviator from the Americas to cross the South Atlantic without maritime support, in 1927. The museum room makes this remarkable achievement and the aviator’s connection to Jaú the focus of a visit.

The Mercado Municipal in Jaú was built in the Italian Renaissance style and inaugurated in 1899. Today, the Mercado Municipal Seiko Onozaki Kataoka is a commercial centre offering a range of products and food. Other historic buildings offer different insights into the city’s cultural heritage: the Jahu Clube building is protected by the Conselho de Preservação do Patrimônio Cultural de Jahu (Conppac). Colégio São Norberto is also protected and is considered one of Jaú’s historic heritage sites. Since the school closed in 1968, it has served as the abbey of the Premonstratensians of Jaú.

Events, crafts and shopping experiences

The Festival de Inverno is held every year in July. The 2025 edition was the 32nd and offered free attractions for a range of audiences and artistic interests. The festival programme includes exhibitions, concerts, markets, listening events, theatre performances, hip-hop culture, activities for children, dance and circus performances. Its range spans music and performing arts, as well as activities specifically designed for children.

The Estação do Som e das Letras also hosts other cultural events. They are organised by the Secretaria de Cultura e Turismo de Jaú, in partnership with residents, artists and cultural professionals. At the traditional Feira de Artesanato at Jardim de Baixo (Praça da República), artisans display their products. Alongside the festival, these venues and events offer a variety of cultural experiences in Jaú.

Shopping is also one of the city’s defining experiences. The themed shopping centre Território do Calçado has approximately 200 factory outlet stores and attracts tourists. Shopping do Calçado is also one of Jaú’s main attractions. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether to focus more on culture and history, events or a shopping visit.

Nature and travel information

The Reserva Ecológica Amadeu Botelho is 2 km from the city. This RPPN protected area near Jaú covers 143 hectares and adds a connection with nature to the city’s cultural and shopping attractions. If you want to include a range of interests in your trip, Jaú offers both destinations within the city and this protected area nearby.

There is an important restriction to bear in mind when planning your journey: the Estação Ferroviária de Jahu is currently served exclusively by freight trains. Passengers cannot board or alight at the platform. Therefore, do not plan to arrive at or depart from this station as a passenger.

If you would like to discover more places, you can also find Cruzália, Pirassununga, Vila Barra De Icapara, Monteiro Lobato, Álvares Machado, Cravinhos, Jales and Aparecida here.

For the broader travel overview: São Paulo.