Parapeúna can be explored through two distinct landmarks: the Chapel of Santa Therezinha do Menino Jesus and the banks of the Rio Preto. The chapel is considered the town’s most important building; at the same time, the river shapes its geographic setting, as it separates Parapeúna from the state of Minas Gerais. Thus, Parapeúna brings together ecclesiastical architectural history and a striking river landscape.
The Chapel, Architectural History, and Traditions
The Chapel of Santa Therezinha do Menino Jesus is considered a Gothic-style building and was inaugurated in 1935. Its architectural style and year of inauguration offer two different starting points for a culture-focused visit. The Igreja de Santa Terezinha do Menino Jesus is also one of Parapeúna’s tourist attractions. Valença’s 2024 cultural calendar listed the Festa de Santa Terezinha do Menino Jesus in Parapeúna on October 1. Parapeúna is also considered the district most closely connected to the traditions of Minas Gerais. Together, these details paint a picture in which religious buildings and regional cultural ties play an important role.
The Rio Preto and Getting Your Bearings
The banks of the Rio Preto are one of Parapeúna’s tourist attractions. At the same time, the Rio Preto separates the town from the state of Minas Gerais. The bridge between Parapeúna and Rio Preto is about 20 m long. Another distance helps place the town in the region: Parapeúna is 28 km from the district seat of Valença. The bridge length and distance serve different purposes for orientation: one describes the short connection between Parapeúna and Rio Preto, while the other indicates the location in relation to the district seat.
Plan Your Journey
From Chacrinha, the access road to Parapeúna follows the RJ-147. In September 2025, a bus service operated by Viação Senhor dos Passos also ran from Valença to Parapeúna. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current schedule before setting out. The road information and the dated bus service are two separate points of reference: the first describes the route from Chacrinha, while the second refers to a bus service that ran from Valença in September 2025. This will help you interpret the available information according to your planned journey.
Valença as a Wider Travel Destination
The wider destination of Valença offers other distinct nature and culture experiences. The Parque Natural Municipal do Açude da Concórdia contains remnants of the Atlantic Forest. Water sports and visits to river beaches are possible along the Rio Paraíba do Sul in Valença. These natural attractions are located in Valença and should be distinguished from Parapeúna’s local landmarks.
Valença’s cultural history also offers a distinct focus: historic buildings with 19th-century architecture are part of the heritage of the coffee trade. The Jardim Glaziou contributes to the historical narrative surrounding this heritage. Casa Léa Pentagna is a museum attraction in Valença; the facade of the Catedral Nossa Senhora da Glória features Renaissance details. The Morro do Cruzeiro is another of Valença’s important tourist sites. The Mirante da Serra dos Mascates offers views over Valença, and hiking trails are among the activities available to visitors there.
Another cultural highlight is Conservatória, a district of Valença known as the City of Serenades. On weekends, serenade musicians entertain locals and tourists. The district’s attractions for visitors include colonial townhouses, an old railway station, and the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio. The Túnel que Chora is also one of the district’s historic sights; it was built by enslaved people.
Next, search for hotels in the town that matches this focus.
Discover more destinations: Montezuma, Várzea Da Palma, Teófilo Otoni, Nova Serrana, Paraopeba, Boa Esperança, Volta Grande, Itabira
For the wider travel overview: Minas Gerais.
