A Constitutionalist Revolution was a milestone in the history of São Paulo and remains in the state’s imagination to this day. What’s more, the revolt remains alive in the cities that were the stage for its battles, and they still have remnants of the struggles that took place there.
The revolution – which, according to experts, was a civil war – was sparked by São Paulo residents’ discontent with the government of Getúlio Vargas. After coming to power in 1930, Vargas had made controversial decisions such as closing the National Congress, annulling the 1891 Constitution and revoking the mandate of governors, putting people he trusted in their place.
As a result, the population of São Paulo decided to take up arms in order to overthrow the Vargas government. This led to battles in several municipalities in the state, which still have trenches, ammunition and even bunker from the conflicts.
Trenches, bunkers and ammunition: towns with remnants of the 1932 Revolution
Cruzeiro
This city in the Paraíba Valley was the scene of some of the bloodiest battles of the 1932 Revolution. After all, there’s the Mantiqueira Tunnel, on the border with Minas Gerais, where the revolutionary troops ran into Getúlio Vargas’ soldiers. It is estimated that in the four months of confrontation, more than 250 soldiers died there.
To this day, the Mantiqueira Tunnel holds remnants of the fierce battles that took place there. In an interview with G1, specialist Diego Amaro said:
“I myself have found several munitions. I once used a metal detector in the city and the number of munitions in the battle spaces was absurd. And it’s interesting that you can even differentiate between the ammunition of the São Paulo troops and the ammunition of the federal troops.” (via G1)
Cruzeiro is thus one of the best preserved destinations for those who want to immerse themselves in the history of the Constitutionalist Revolution.
🚘 225 kilometers from São Paulo
Lavrinhas
Those who know the quiet town of Lavrinhas, in the Paraíba Valley, can hardly imagine that it was the scene of battles in the past. During the 1932 Revolution, the people of São Paulo dug trenches throughout the town, which were crucial during the fight against Getúlio Vargas’ troops.
The armed conflict went away, but the excavations did not. So anyone who visits Lavrinhas today has the opportunity to visit the trenches that marked the history of São Paulo, immortalizing the struggle of the revolutionary soldiers.
🚘 240 kilometers from São Paulo
Aguas da Prata
Although very famous for its thermal waters, Águas de Prata is also an unmissable destination for history lovers. In the 20th century, troops from São Paulo built stone trenches to serve as shelters during clashes with troops from Minas Gerais who invaded the area. They are still standing today, so you can take a trip back to the 1930s and the clashes that took place there.
🚘 238 kilometers from São Paulo
Mogi Mirim
Finally, Mogi Mirim is another of the cities that has remnants of the Constitutionalist Revolution. In this case, a bunker used by the São Paulo troops, 15 meters underground. The underground bunker is beneath a forest and is available for visits after a long restoration process. But beware if you’re claustrophobic: as well as being well below the surface, the bunker is only 2 meters wide and high!
🚘 160 kilometers from São Paulo
