Santana de Parnaíba, Historical municipality in São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil
Santana de Parnaíba is a municipality in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region of Brazil, stretching along the Tietê River at an elevation of 711 meters. The territory combines preserved colonial districts with modern residential neighborhoods and conservation areas, connected by main roads and bridges.
Susana Dias established the settlement in 1625 on the banks of the Tietê, where it became a departure point for expeditions into the interior. The town grew during the 17th and 18th centuries as a trading hub between the coast and inland regions.
The historic core displays whitewashed facades with carved wooden doors and shutters from the colonial era, now housing restaurants and small shops. On weekends, families gather on the cobblestone streets leading to churches and squares where local artisans display their work.
The colonial core is best explored on foot, while modern districts and the nature reserve are accessible by car. The town sits about an hour's drive northwest from central São Paulo, with access through metropolitan highways.
The Anhanguera Museum preserves furniture and tools from the 17th century inside a typical Bandeirista house with thick clay walls and wooden beams. Visitors can walk through the rooms and see how early settlers lived and prepared their expeditions.
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