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Pirenópolis, Founded in 1727 120 Km from Goiânia and 150 Km from Brasília, Preserves a Historic Center Listed Since 1990, Holds the Festa do Divino with 30 Thousand People Per Year and Brings Together More Than 80 Waterfalls in the Serra dos Pireneus
The historic city of Pirenópolis brings together a legacy that started in 1727, a center listed by IPHAN since 1990, the Festa do Divino with an audience of 30 thousand people per year, and more than 80 cataloged waterfalls, consolidating itself as a cultural and natural destination 120 km from Goiânia and 150 km from Brasília.
Nestled in the Serra dos Pireneus, along the banks of the Rio das Almas, Pirenópolis maintains quartzite streets and colonial buildings that hark back to the gold cycle.
The municipality emerged as Minas de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Meia Ponte, founded by miners led by Manoel Rodrigues Tomás.
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Origin in the Gold Cycle and Birth of the Press in the Midwest
The gold drove initial growth, financing churches and the urbanization of the settlement. With the decline of the mines, the city found new prominence in the 19th century when the commander Joaquim Alves de Oliveira decided to invest in communication.
In 1830, he acquired a printing press in Rio de Janeiro and transported a French press on mule back to what was then Meia Ponte. Thus emerged the Matutina Meyapontense, the first newspaper in Goiás and throughout the Midwest.
526 editions were published over four years, during which only 5% of Goiás residents could read. This episode solidified the title of Cradle of the Goian Press, a historical landmark still associated with Pirenópolis.
Festa do Divino Mobilizes 30 Thousand People and Is a Cultural Heritage in the City
The Festa do Divino Espírito Santo has been taking place since 1819, always 50 days after Easter, lasting nearly 30 days. The program includes novenas, revelries, and dawn celebrations that fill the streets and churches of the historic center.
The highlight is the Cavalhadas, a reenactment of medieval battles between Moors and Christians. Two armies formed by 12 horsemen each perform over three consecutive days, attracting around 30 thousand people annually.
In 2010, IPHAN registered the celebration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Brazil. In 2022, the World Organization of Tourism Journalists named the festivity as the festival of the year, increasing its visibility.
During the event, the Mascarados roam the streets in costumes and with heads of oxen and jaguars, composing the traditional scene that has become a cultural symbol of Pirenópolis.
Preserved Historic Center and More Than 80 Cataloged Waterfalls
The architectural ensemble was listed by IPHAN in 1990. Mansions from the 18th century, churches, and a theater with colonial and neoclassical traits form the preserved urban nucleus.
The Main Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário was built between 1728 and 1732, being the oldest temple in Goiás. After a fire in 2002, it underwent reconstruction with the support of IPHAN.
In the surroundings, the Serra dos Pireneus concentrates more than 80 cataloged waterfalls. The Cachoeira do Abade, an old 18th-century gold mine, offers trails, suspension bridges, and a 900 m² pool for bathing.
The Pico dos Pireneus reaches an altitude of 1,385 m, the highest point in the region, with free entry. The Vagafogo Wildlife Sanctuary features a 1,500 m trail, natural pools, zip-lining, and brunch with 45 varieties of fruits from the cerrado.
The Fazenda Babilônia, a mill from the late 18th century listed in 1965, serves rustic coffee with more than 40 treats prepared on a wood-fired stove. In the center, Rua do Lazer concentrates bars, restaurants, and live music.
Regional Cuisine and Road Access Within 2 Hours
The cuisine of Pirenópolis combines Goian tradition, Minas Gerais influence, and ingredients from the cerrado. Rice with pequi is one of the most sought-after dishes, as well as the Goian pie filled with chicken, sausage, olives, and guariroba.
Sweet and savory pamonhas are sold near the Main Church. At Vagafogo, brunch includes jams, mango chutney, and baru pesto.
At Fazenda Babilônia, rustic coffee features sequilhos, broas, fried pamonha, and hot requeijão.
The climate is tropical, with two well-defined seasons. The dry winter corresponds to the high season, a period of clear skies and abundant waterfalls.
Access is via GO-431 from Goiânia and BR-070 followed by GO-225, coming from Brasília. The journey takes about 2 hours from both capitals.
There is no airport in the city; the Goiânia Airport handles regular flights.
Amidst history, nature, and bicentennial traditions, Pirenópolis maintains an identity built over nearly three centuries, combining listed heritage, recognized celebrations, and natural landscapes that structure its tourism and cultural activities.
With information from Correio Braziliense.
Corrigindo: Pirenópolis tem sim um aeroporto!
Deu vontade de ir morar lá.