Just over an hour from São Paulo, the Campinas Municipal Market— or “Mercadão” to those in the know—is one of those destinations that brings together architecture, history, and gastronomy in a single place. Opened in the early 20th century, it was intended to replace the city’s old produce market, which had developed around the railroad and the coffee boom.
A municipal historic landmark, the Campinas Mercadão captivates visitors with its Moorish-influenced design, created by Ramos de Azevedo. Learn about its history!
The Centennial History of the Campinas Municipal Market
It opened in 1908, at the height of São Paulo’s railroad expansion. For decades, agricultural producers and farmers sold their goods at the Mercadão, ranging from fruits to coffee grown in the countryside.
With the development of highways, trains fell into disuse—a trend that directly affected the Mercadão. The site fell into disrepair and was nearly abandoned, but fortunately returned to the spotlight in the early 1980s. At that time, the Municipal Market was designated a historic landmark and underwent a major renovation to restore its original grandeur.
How about visiting the Mercadão in the interior of São Paulo?
You might be wondering: why travel 100 kilometers to visit Campinas’ Mercadão when we already have one in São Paulo? Unlike its São Paulo counterpart, the Campinas Municipal Market offers a more intimate atmosphere, with a “neighborhood” charm that’s becoming increasingly rare in the capital.
In addition to appreciating the architecture, during the tour, visitors will find classic sweets, ground coffee, chestnuts, and delicacies brought from Minas Gerais, such as cheeses and guava paste. There are also snack bars offering traditional market pastries and sandwiches filled with mortadella, ham, and other São Paulo classics, making the visit even more delicious.
Our tip is to add the Municipal Market to your itinerary through Campinas, taking in the best attractions the city has to offer. You can spend the day at nearbywineries , stroll through Taquaral Park, and, when you have a moment to spare, take a leisurely walk through the aisles and kiosks of the Mercadão. We guarantee you won’t leave on an empty stomach!
