Discover Parapeúna: Chapel, Culture and the Rio Preto

Parapeúna offers two distinctive landmarks to help you plan your trip: the Chapel of Santa Therezinha do Menino Jesus and the Rio Preto. When looking for a hotel, you can weigh up whether architectural history, cultural connections or the river landscape will be the deciding factor for your stay. The wider destination of Valença adds other cultural and natural attractions to these local themes.

The Chapel, Architectural History and Traditions

The Chapel of Santa Therezinha do Menino Jesus is the most important building in Parapeúna. It is considered a Gothic building and was inaugurated in 1935. Its architectural classification and year of inauguration give you two concrete ways to explore the local cultural heritage. The Igreja de Santa Terezinha do Menino Jesus is also one of Parapeúna's tourist attractions. Parapeúna is also considered the district with the strongest connection to the traditions of Minas Gerais. Valença's 2024 cultural calendar listed the Festa de Santa Terezinha do Menino Jesus for October 1 in Parapeúna; this listing does not imply that the event is currently held or takes place regularly.

The Rio Preto and River Landscape

The Rio Preto separates Parapeúna from the state of Minas Gerais, and its banks are among the town's tourist attractions. The bridge between Parapeúna and Rio Preto is about 20 m long. This makes it possible to consider the river landscape both as a local point of interest and in terms of a specific structural measurement; the length is approximate.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Parapeúna is 28 km from the district seat of Valença. From Chacrinha, the access road to Parapeúna follows the RJ-147. These details answer different questions: the distance shows how far the town is from the district seat, while the route gives the way in from Chacrinha. In September 2025, a bus service operated by Viação Senhor dos Passos ran from Valença to Parapeúna. Check the timetable before travelling if you plan to take the bus.

More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Valença

Valença offers other nature-related attractions. The Parque Natural Municipal do Açude da Concórdia in Valença contains remnants of the Atlantic Forest. The Rio Paraíba do Sul in Valença offers opportunities for water sports and visits to riverside beaches. These attractions differ from Parapeúna's connection to the Rio Preto and offer a distinct nature and river focus within the wider destination.

Valença can also be explored for its own cultural attractions: Conservatória, a district of Valença, is known as the “City of Serenades.” On weekends, serenade musicians entertain locals and tourists there. The Quilombo São José da Serra in Valença is known nationwide for the Festa do Jongo, held on May 13. Historic buildings featuring 19th-century architecture form part of Valença's coffee-cycle heritage; Jardim Glaziou contributes to the historical story of this heritage.

Discover more destinations: Carmo do Cajuru, Lagoa Santa, Guaxupé, São Brás Do Suaçuí, Pocinhos Do Rio Verde, Abaeté, Mirantão, Nanuque.

Back to the wider travel guide: Minas Gerais.