Ourinhos

Ourinhos offers different facets of discovery: at Parque Ecológico Municipal Bióloga Tânia Mara Netto e Silva, the focus is on pristine Atlantic Forest and observing nature; museums, archives and cultural venues tell the story of history and artistic life. There is also Feira da Lua and city events at Complexo FAPI. Which of these experiences interests you most may shape the focus of your stay in Ourinhos.

Nature trails and pristine rainforest

Parque Ecológico Municipal Bióloga Tânia Mara Netto e Silva preserves the last remaining stretch of pristine Atlantic Forest in the municipality. The area covers around 122,000 m² and is home to wild animals and native plants. This puts nature at the forefront in Ourinhos, setting it apart from the city’s historical and cultural offerings.

Marked trails are laid out for walking and observing nature. Meditation and various sports are also practised in the same park. If you want to focus on exercise and nature during your stay, you’ll find concrete ways to do so here: walk along the marked trails, observe the plant and animal life, or take part in the activities offered there.

Museums, railway history and places of remembrance

The Museu Histórico Ferroviário combines its collection with visible reminders of the railway: its furniture, work and communication tools, and photographs are complemented outdoors by two original electric locomotives of the “Lobas” model. The different objects offer various ways to explore railway history—from work equipment and communication to the locomotives themselves.

The Museu Municipal Histórico e Pedagógico is housed in the former freight depot of the Estrada de Ferro Sorocabana. Its collection includes photographs, magazines and old documents that tell the story of the municipality’s political, geographic, demographic and social history. The Casinha da Memória, an extension of the Museu Municipal, is located in an annex. It makes maps, photographs and documents available for viewing and research.

Those interested in sources and collections will also find an archive at the Centro de Convivência Jornalista Benedicto da Silva Eloy: it contains books, photograph collections, old publications, maps and audiovisual files, and is available to researchers and anyone interested in the history of Ourinhos. This makes it possible to explore the city’s history through a range of materials, rather than only through individual buildings or events.

Cultural venues and events

At the Catedral do Senhor Bom Jesus, the stained-glass windows depicting the apostles and biblical scenes catch the eye. Casa dos Ingleses – Espaço Cultural Luiz Carlos Eloy Júnior is protected as a historic heritage site by CONDEPHAAT. Both places offer different cultural points of interest: the imagery in the windows at one, and a cultural venue protected as historic heritage at the other.

Teatro Elizabetano and Centro Cultural Tom Jobim now house two schools run by the city government: a ballet school and a music school. The Escola de Bailado at Teatro Elizabetano and Centro Cultural Tom Jobim offers five courses, including classical ballet. Biblioteca Municipal de Ourinhos “Tristão de Athayde” also has a varied programme of readings, art workshops, discussion groups and markets.

If events are part of your plans, it’s worth noting the distinctions between the places and dates mentioned: Feira da Lua takes place on Wednesdays in the Vila Kennedy square and on Thursdays in Cohab, with artistic performances organised by the Department of Culture. The tourism calendar also lists Complexo FAPI – Parque Olavo Ferreira de Sá as a venue for important city events, including FAPI, Feira do Artesanato and Moto Fest.

When choosing your holiday apartment in Ourinhos, consider which side of the city you want to shape your stay: nature trails and wildlife observation, railway and city history, cultural venues, or an event date. Feira da Lua offers a specific choice between Wednesday and Thursday; your other interests can guide the topics you explore during your trip.

More destinations

Also discover Ilhabela, Osasco, Icém, Guará, Águas De São Pedro, Piedade, Queluz and Pirapitingui.

Return to the main travel overview: São Paulo.