São Paulo has an infinity of neighborhoods and districts, each with more unique stories than the others. One of them is Artur Alvim, in the Zona Leste, whose origins go directly back to the creation of São Paulo’s railroad network.
History
The modern history of the district begins when the administration of the Central Railroad of Brazil decided to build the São Paulo Branch in 1921. The project was entrusted to engineer Artur Alvim, a descendant of an influential São Paulo family of the time. When completed, it would connect the Rio de Janeiro town of Barra do Piraí to São Paulo.
It’s worth noting that, like much of the land at the beginning of the last century, the region was mainly made up of farms. It was only with the completion of Alvim’s works that the district, finally cut off by the railway line, was able to develop. A conglomeration of houses was built and several villages, including the still existing Santa Teresa, sprang up around the newly opened station.
It was at this time that the area began to be known as Artur Alvim, in honor of the man whose work brought prosperity. At the same time, a municipal school was also built with the engineer’s help and named after him.
New rise and decommissioning of the railroad
Over the years, the railroad in the district fell into disuse. This happened when, in 1957, the station was taken over by the Federal Railway Network. As a result, the area was forgotten for decades. It was only with the arrival of the Metro in 1988 that the area began to take on the shape we see today.
Shortly afterwards, in 1994, the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos took over the Central do Brasil Railroad. After running alongside the metro for a while, the station was finally decommissioned in 2000. Its tracks and platforms, however, are still there, as a reminder of Alvim’s timeless work.
What to do in Artur Alvim?
Neo Química Arena
You can’t talk about Artur Alvim without mentioning the home of the Corinthians soccer team! There, you can take guided tours, stroll around and learn about the history of one of São Paulo’s most beloved stadiums.
📍Avenida Miguel Ignácio Curi, 111 – Artur Alvim
Córrego do Rio Verde Linear Park
A perfect space for cycling, skateboarding or simply sitting and watching nature. You’ll also find sports equipment and a walking track. The mayor’s website informs us that it is possible to see various birds there, such as: field woodpeckers, bem-te-vi and orange thrush.
📍Avenida Itaquera, 7691 – Artur Alvim
Jovina Rocha Álvares Pessoa Municipal Public Library
The library is a place to read and study in peace. Its collection has more than 20,000 books and the place also offers cultural activities for visitors.
📍Avenida Padre Francisco de Toledo, 331 – Artur Alvim
