Discover Itaúna: Reinado, Chapels and Scenic Places

Itaúna combines religious traditions and historic buildings with squares and scenic places. The annual Reinado is a cultural highlight; other distinctive sites include Capela do Rosário, a chapel on a hill, Gruta Nossa Senhora de Itaúna, and Estância Mineral Água Viva. As you plan your trip, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Reinado and Religious History

The Festa do Reinado de Nossa Senhora do Rosário takes place annually in Itaúna and has a history spanning more than 200 years. It includes Congado, processions, and prayers. The Reinado takes place in the area around Conjunto Arquitetônico do Morro do Rosário; it is considered the city's oldest traditional festival. During the celebration at Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário, residents, families, communities, members of the Reinado groups, and visitors from various cities in the region come together.

Capela do Rosário was originally called Capela de Sant’Ana. The municipality's first settlers built it between 1750 and 1765, with Manoel Pinto Madureira playing a particularly prominent role. A turning point in the history of the Reinado came in 1931, when Dom Cabral banned the festival in Itaúna. The Congadeiros continued the tradition and built the Sede – Capela da Irmandade Sete Guardas Nossa Senhora do Rosário. It is considered a symbol of resistance and faith. The chapel's construction in the 18th century and the 1931 ban on the Reinado are two separate historical reference points.

Chapels and Places in the Cityscape

Gruta Nossa Senhora de Itaúna is in the Lourdes neighborhood on Rua Sesóstres Milagres, about 1.5 km from the city center. Capela do Senhor do Bonfim stands on Morro do Bonfim, around 2.5 km from the center; from there, you can see the entire city. The Gruta is therefore closer to the center than the chapel on the hill. Access to Capela do Senhor do Bonfim is via the MG-050, between Itaúna's main exit and the turnoff for Pará de Minas.

Another gathering place is Praça Dr. Augusto Gonçalves. Its abundant trees provide shade, while the street furniture supports its use as a social meeting place. The square thus adds a perspective on urban community life to the historic religious buildings and natural sites.

Water and Scenery

Estância Mineral Água Viva is near Barragem do Benfica. Its features include walking trails, wooded areas, and a natural pool with mineral water. The Olhos d’Água spring is also located there. Barragem do Benfica holds 40 million cubic meters of water. Itaúna's varied scenery thus includes a mineral-water destination with wooded areas and a spring, as well as a large reservoir. If you plan to visit Estância Mineral Água Viva, check current access arrangements in advance.

Each place has a different focus: the Reinado represents a long religious tradition, the chapels illustrate historical points of reference, and Água Viva brings together a spring, wooded areas, and a pool. Which of these aspects of Itaúna interests you most depends on whether you are more drawn to festival culture, architectural history, or scenery.

Discover more destinations: Cambuquira, Passa Tempo, São Sebastião Do Rio Verde, Ipatinga, Contagem, Alagoa, Tombos, Curvelo.

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.