Itu was founded by the Portuguese in 1610 by Domingos Fernandes. It became a parish in 1653. In 1657, it was elevated to a town and municipality. It became a part of Brazil in 1822. It became a city in 1843.
Itu was the birthplace of the Brazilian Republic and has a renowned museum.[citation needed]
Itu became a famous town after "Simplicio" a well known Brazilian comedian, born in Itu, was made Tourism Secretary and to increase tourism promoted it as the "capital of large things". For example, the town square holds a giant 4mt high yellow phone-booth "orelhão". The Itu popsicle is about 30 cm (1 foot) tall. And a giant Christmas tree.
With the increase in domestic tourism the infrastructure soon developed to attract foreign visitors as well as international meetings, seminars and congress events. In 1999 and 2003 the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement held their international delegation session in Itu bringing people from over 80 countries to the city at each event.
Geography
Its climate is subtropical, temperatures varies from 16° and 22°. The summer is warm and dry, and the winters are moderately cold and dry.
It is located between the crystalline plateau and sedimentary areas.
Population history
Year
Population
2001
135,366
2004
149,758
2009
157,384
2015
167,095
Demographics
According to the 2000 IBGE Census, the population was 136,366, of which 123,942 are urban and 11,424 are rural. The average life expectancy was 71.53 years. The literacy rate was at 92.53%.
Transportation
The main roads passing through the municipality are:
Itu's main parochial church.
Giant traffic signal. Itu is known as the capital of "large things"
Energy Museum
Giant public pay phone. Itu is known as the capital of "large things"
Itu celebrated its 400th birthday in 2010.
Igreja de Cristo (Church of Christ)
