São Bernardo do Campo

São Bernardo do Campo is a municipality in the São Paulo metropolitan region within São Paulo state. The area covers several districts with densely built urban zones in the north and greener sections toward the coastal mountains in the south.

The settlement was founded in 1553 by João Ramalho as Vila de Santo André da Borda do Campo and gained municipality status in 1890. Industrialization began in the early 20th century as factories rose along railway lines and attracted workers from different regions.

This place became a major center of the Brazilian automotive industry, shaping the character of entire neighborhoods around factory complexes. Trade union movements started here in the late 1970s, leaving a lasting mark on local identity and working-class culture.

Major highways Via Anchieta and Rodovia dos Imigrantes connect the municipality to São Paulo city and the coastal region. Public transport includes municipal bus lines linking different districts and offering connections to the regional rail system.

Cidade da Criança was the first theme park in Brazil when it opened in 1968. The park sits on a hill and offers views over surrounding industrial and green areas alongside its attractions.

Location: São Paulo

Inception: 1553

Elevation above the sea: 762 m

Shares border with: Cubatão, Santo André, São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, Diadema, São Vicente

Website: http://saobernardo.sp.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -23.69389,-46.56500

Latest update: December 15, 2025 14:13