The Cruzeiro de Currais Novos offers panoramic views of the city and also represents the connection between religious significance and the geosites of the Seridó Geopark. In Currais Novos, an important local landmark, cultural associations and geological destinations in the surrounding area come together. If you are planning a stay, this distinction can help you decide what to focus on: the Igreja Matriz de Sant’Ana is part of the historic center, while the Mina Brejuí and Pico do Totoró offer different themes.

Church and getting your bearings in town

The Igreja Matriz de Sant’Ana is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in Currais Novos. As part of the municipality’s cultural heritage, it is also part of the visitor experience in the historic center. It adds a cultural perspective on the town to the Geopark geosites: the church connects religious significance with the history of Currais Novos, without requiring a trip to the surrounding area.

For tourist information, the Seridó Geopark administrative office at the entrance portal to Currais Novos, on Avenida 13 de Maio, serves as a point of contact. If you would like to use this assistance in planning your trip, check the current operating information before you travel. This makes the office a practical place to get your bearings without relying on fixed opening hours or a particular service being available.

Viewpoints and geosites

The Cruzeiro de Currais Novos, also known as Morro do Cruzeiro, is a religious viewpoint offering panoramic views of Currais Novos. As a Geossitio, it is part of the network of geosites associated with the Seridó Geopark. Two perspectives on the same destination come together here: views of the city from the viewpoint and its geological classification through its Geopark affiliation.

Pico do Totoró is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. A geological entry, last modified on December 23, 2021, identifies it as a Geossitio of national significance and notes its status as “under review.” Pedra do Navio, a geoform of the geosite, is located at the peak. The site also has cultural significance: Pico do Totoró is mentioned in the official city song of Currais Novos and serves as inspiration for paintings, poems and songs.

Reaching the summit of Pico do Totoró requires a hike of about 500 meters along a moderately challenging trail. Check trail conditions locally if you are planning the ascent. This specific route and its cultural associations make Pico a destination where geological and artistic themes come together.

Mining history in the surrounding area

Mina Brejuí is also located about 10 kilometers from the center. Its tunnels and galleries extend for around 300 meters in total and have been adapted for tourist visits. The mine preserves the memory of scheelite mining, an activity that shaped the local economy. This makes it thematically different from Pico do Totoró: the focus there is on the Geossitio, the ascent and cultural inspiration, while Mina Brejuí is about mining history and its adapted tunnels and galleries.

Both distances refer to the destinations’ proximity to the city center. The approximately 500 meters at Pico refers to the hike to the summit, while the roughly 300 meters at the mine refers to its tunnels and galleries. These distinctions help you assess the destinations realistically without confusing distances with visitor routes.

When choosing Currais Novos as a travel destination, consider whether you mainly want to explore the historic center and its religious associations or also set aside time for geosites and mining history in the surrounding area. The places mentioned offer different focuses rather than a prescribed order of visits.

Discover more destinations: Areia Branca, Mossoró, Touros, Cerro Corá, Guamaré, São Miguel, Felipe Guerra, Nova Cruz

For the broader travel overview: Rio Grande Do Norte.