It seems to have come out of a science fiction movie: a Brazilian city houses a crater over 150 meters deep, equivalent to a 45-story building, which shaped the city's growth; meet Pedreira Lageado in São Paulo.

It seems to have come out of a science fiction movie: a Brazilian city houses a crater over 150 meters deep, equivalent to a 45-story building, which shaped the city’s growth; meet Pedreira Lageado in São Paulo.

Written by Andriely Medeiros de Araújo

Published on 08/04/2026 at 06:41

Updated on 02/05/2026 at 18:17

8 people reacted to this.

Crater in São Paulo at Pedreira Lageado is over 150 meters deep and was essential for the city’s expansion.

A gigantic crater located in the eastern zone of São Paulo draws attention for its depth and historical importance. The site, known as Pedreira Lageado, emerged in the 1950s to meet the growing demand of the construction industry. With over 150 meters of depth — equivalent to a building of about 45 floors — the location was essential for the urban development of the capital. The activity continues to this day, directly contributing to the city’s works and infrastructure.

Crater at Pedreira Lageado boosted São Paulo’s growth

The creation of the crater at Pedreira Lageado is directly linked to the period of accelerated expansion of São Paulo, which began in 1957. At that time, the city needed large volumes of raw materials to enable new constructions.

Thus, the quarry began to supply crushed stone and other essential inputs. These materials were used in the construction of houses, avenues, and buildings that shaped the capital over the decades.

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Quarry in São Paulo still generates impacts and curiosity

Despite its economic relevance, the presence of the crater in São Paulo also raises questions among local residents. Some report small tremors or occasional vibrations.

However, the company responsible for Pedreira Lageado claims that all activities are monitored by specialists. According to the mining company, the processes follow strict technical and environmental standards, ensuring the safety of the population.

Even though it goes unnoticed by many, Pedreira Lageado plays a fundamental role in the daily life of São Paulo. A large part of the city’s constructions has used materials extracted from the crater over the years.

Crater in São Paulo at Pedreira Lageado is over 150 meters deep and was essential for the city's expansion. — Crater in São Paulo at Pedreira Lageado is over 150 meters deep and was essential for the city’s expansion. Source: YouTube.

Thus, it is possible that thousands of properties have been built with resources coming from the site. This reinforces the historical and economic importance of the quarry for the development of the largest city in the country.

With information from Gazeta de SP

It seems to have come out of a science fiction movie: a Brazilian city houses a crater over 150 meters deep, equivalent to a 45-story building, which shaped the city’s growth; meet Pedreira Lageado in São Paulo.

Crater in São Paulo at Pedreira Lageado is over 150 meters deep and was essential for the city’s expansion.

Crater at Pedreira Lageado boosted São Paulo’s growth

Quarry in São Paulo still generates impacts and curiosity

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It seems to have come out of a science fiction movie: a Brazilian city houses a crater over 150 meters deep, equivalent to a 45-story building, which shaped the city’s growth; meet Pedreira Lageado in São Paulo.

Crater in São Paulo at Pedreira Lageado is over 150 meters deep and was essential for the city’s expansion.

Crater at Pedreira Lageado boosted São Paulo’s growth

Quarry in São Paulo still generates impacts and curiosity

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