Varginha between Nature, Culture and the E.T. Theme

Varginha offers very different reasons to visit: parks with lakes and woodland, a museum with a historical collection, architectural history, and attractions related to the E.T. theme. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, start by deciding what matters most: nature, cultural history, or the E.T. connections? Local attractions offer concrete points of interest for each of these interests.

Parks and Nature

Parque Centenário covers 175,600 m². Its landscape includes a small native forest and three springs that feed the central lake. The paved paths are used for cycling and walking; there is also a children’s playground and an outdoor gym. If you’re planning to use the paths or facilities, it’s a good idea to check their current condition beforehand.

At Parque Novo Horizonte, a walking path runs around the lake. The original forest is home to numerous birds and small wild animals. Within the same park, visitors can enjoy both a specific walking route and a natural area with its own wildlife as different ways to spend time outdoors.

Parque Natural Municipal São Francisco de Assis aims to preserve naturally occurring ecosystems of ecological importance and develop environmental education, nature-based recreation and ecotourism. The park is currently closed to visitors. Since this status may change, check again before making plans for a future visit.

Museum, Architectural History and Heritage

Museu Municipal de Varginha was founded on April 26, 2000, as Casa de Cultura, to bring together documents and the history of Princesa do Sul. Its collection includes more than 7,000 historical objects donated by members of the public. The program includes workshops, professional development courses, talks on heritage and preservation education, and themed exhibitions. The collection and educational offerings together provide ways to explore Varginha’s history and cultural heritage.

The theater and railway station buildings are also historical points of interest: Theatro Municipal Capitólio opened in 1927; its eclectic decorative elements are attributed to Alexandre Valatti. The new Estação Ferroviária building was inaugurated in June 1934. These dates mark different stages in the history of the buildings and institutions.

On June 5, 2023, “O Caso do E.T. e a Identidade Varginhense” was registered as intangible cultural heritage of Varginha. This cultural recognition adds a distinct connection to the E.T. theme to the museum and architectural history.

The E.T. Theme and Getting There

Memorial do ET opened on November 9, 2022. Its planetarium offers an immersive 360-degree projection about the universe, astronomy and space exploration. If you’re planning a visit, check the current visiting arrangements beforehand.

Nave do ET is a floating water tank built by COPASA. It was constructed in 2003 in Praça Marechal Floriano. Together with the planetarium and the registration of the intangible cultural heritage, it offers different points of interest: a projection about space, a water structure and a cultural recognition.

Aeroporto de Varginha — Major Brigadeiro Trompowsky — is five kilometers from the city center. Commercial, domestic and private flights depart from there. Check routes and flight schedules before you travel.

First consider whether park landscapes and paths, museum and architectural history, the E.T. theme, or air travel are especially important for your stay. When comparing specific hotels, check their locations against these priorities.

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Go to the main travel overview: Minas Gerais.