The first settlement of what is now Paraíba do Sul began on the banks of the Rio Paraíba do Sul at Jardim Velho. Also known as São João Marcos, Jardim Velho is a central square; its royal palms were planted in the shape of a Maltese cross in 1868. The site thus brings together the settlement’s early history and a distinctive feature of the square’s design.

Historic routes also give the municipality its own character. Through the Caminho Novo, Paraíba do Sul is part of the Estrada Real route, which Garcia Rodrigues Paes opened. Another historic route, the Caminhos do Proença, passed through Sant’Anna de Sebollas; the place is now part of the Inconfidência district of Paraíba do Sul. The two names point to different historical connections: the Estrada Real and the route through Sebollas.

Railway History and Museums

The history of the railway stations encompasses two different buildings. Emperor D. Pedro II inaugurated the first station in 1867; it was later demolished. The present-day station building was designed and built by Paulo de Frontin in 1898 for the Melhoramentos do Brasil railway. During an expansion in 1913, a new platform and an underpass between the platforms were built beside what is now Avenida Ayrton Senna. At the time, the underpass made it easier for passengers to get around.

The station building houses the Centro Cultural Maria de Lourdes Tavares, craft shops, the Museu Ferroviário, the Museu Iconográfico, the Galeria Cultural, the Memorial dos Prefeitos, and the Cinema Popular. The Museu Ferroviário José Pereira Palhares holds three-dimensional, documentary, and photographic collections on the history of the regional railway network. Retired employees of the former Central do Brasil donated items from the collection. The Museu Iconográfico Nicolino Visconti presents the history of the city, its routes, and its residents; its photographic collection includes images from the 19th century through the end of the 20th century.

In Inconfidência, the third district of Paraíba do Sul, is the Museu Sacro Histórico Tiradentes. It opened on April 21, 1972, and is closely connected with the history of Sebollas and with Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes. Its collections include sacred images from the 18th century, the former altar of the first local chapel, church furnishings, documents, an Alferes uniform, and other historical objects. Human remains are also part of the collection; they are attributed to Tiradentes.

On the 150th anniversary of independence, in 1972, the SEC and the Paraíba do Sul municipal administration designated the Monumento a Tiradentes, the Museu Sacro Histórico de Tiradentes, and the Igreja Matriz de Sant’Anna as official monuments. They represent local history and Brazil’s independence. This connects the history of the museums with other places that are important to the municipality’s sense of its past.

Performing Arts, Scenery, and Local Flavors

The Theatro Municipal Mariano Aranha hosts theater companies; its cultural activities include stage, music, and dance performances, as well as performances by musical groups. Teatro Mariano Aranha is also home to the Fundação Cultural. The theater is also associated with music history: Ari Barroso gave the first public performance of “Aquarela do Brasil” there.

Parque Salutaris is considered one of the most important attractions in Paraíba do Sul. Its springs offer alkaline, magnesian, and iron-rich mineral water. Pedra da Tocaia is the highest point in the municipality and offers a view of the city. Parque Linear do Lucas, meanwhile, is considered a sustainable, integrated project to enhance the environment and the Ribeirão do Lucas. These places showcase different aspects of the landscape, from mineral springs and city views to the river environment.

Culinary discoveries are also among the recommended experiences: visitors can sample handmade sweets from Paraíba do Sul. A visit to a winery is also recommended. Together with the railway stations, museums, historic routes, and scenic spots, these offer different ways to plan a stay in Paraíba do Sul.

Discover more destinations: Cavaru, Barra Mansa, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Claro, Santo Antônio de Pádua, Valença, Cordeiro, Macuco

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