Can you believe this building before us is the only completely intact station left from Sao Paulo’s old Cantareira Tramway? This is the Estação Cantareira. It’s also the oldest.
The Estação Cantareira is more than just old bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to Sao Paulo’s history. Construction began in 1893. The tramway wasn’t just for passengers. It initially hauled materials for the Cantareira Water and Sewage Company. Sao Paulo needed more water. The city’s growth outpaced its water supply. The Cantareira Tramway solved that problem.
Imagine the scene in 1894. Distinguished guests including Bernardino de Campos Cerqueira Cesar Jose Pereira Rebouças and Ramos de Azevedo attended the inauguration. The railway wasn’t just about transporting building materials. It quickly became a lifeline for people. Residents used the train. They transported their agricultural goods to the Mercadão.
The Estação Cantareira was the last stop on the line. This little train even inspired Adoniran Barbosa’s famous song “Trem das Onze.” That’s the “Eleven O’Clock Train.” It’s a bit of a myth though. The last train didn’t actually leave at 11 pm. Adoniran Barbosa didn’t even live in the neighborhood.
The Tramway da Cantareira transported millions of passengers. It operated for seven decades. Then in 1965 it was deactivated. The cost of operation exceeded its revenue. Road transportation had become more efficient and economical.
Today the Estação Cantareira houses a Sabesp club. It’s a reminder of Sao Paulo’s ingenuity and its innovative past. It is a legacy of the Cantareira Tramway. A legacy that lives on in this station. A legacy that continues to inspire us even today.