Varginha: ET heritage, architecture, and nature

For a trip to Varginha, you can organize your sightseeing around three distinct themes: its ET connections, architectural history, and green spaces. This selection brings together cultural and nature-related interests without suggesting that all the places serve the same purpose.

ET connections: a structure, a planetarium, and cultural heritage

Nave do ET is a water reservoir whose exterior was designed to resemble a flying saucer. Its function and design define the structure in different ways: it serves as a reservoir while also drawing on the ET motif. Memorial do ET offers a different perspective. It was inaugurated on November 9, 2022, and includes a planetarium that shows educational and cultural films. Together, a distinctive structure and a venue for educational and cultural films represent different ET connections in Varginha.

This theme also has a specific cultural status: “O Caso do E.T. e a Identidade Varginhense” was listed as cultural heritage in Varginha, and the listing was ratified on June 5, 2023. When planning your trip, you can distinguish among three aspects: the design of Nave do ET, the planetarium at Memorial do ET, and the recognition of the subject as cultural heritage. This gives you different points of interest rather than treating all ET-related places as the same kind of attraction.

Architecture at Theatro Municipal Capitólio

At Theatro Municipal Capitólio, the focus is on decorative elements on the façade and in the interior. They are characteristic of the eclectic period and are attributed to the Italian architect Alexandre Valatti. Eclectic design brings together elements from different styles. If you are interested in architectural history, this offers a distinct perspective alongside the ET connections and green spaces.

Green spaces and their different features

Parque Zoobotânico Dr. Mário Frota has a specific founding story and a set of responsibilities. It was established in 1963 to house the animals of the financially struggling Gran Circo Africano. The park’s stated purposes include recreation, environmental education, and wildlife protection. This gives it a different focus from Parque Novo Horizonte: wildlife and environmental education are at the forefront here.

At Parque Novo Horizonte, an area with permanent protected status preserves a spring and the surrounding forest vegetation. A trail also runs along a large central lake fed by a spring. When choosing between the two parks, their described features highlight different aspects of nature: Parque Zoobotânico is associated with wildlife and environmental education, while Novo Horizonte brings together a protected area, forest vegetation, a spring, a lake, and a trail. This comparison can help you choose the focus of an outing based on your interests.

Planning a visit to Memorial do ET

Special visit arrangements apply to schools and groups at Memorial do ET: they must book their visit by calling (35) 3690-2066. If you are traveling with one of these groups, allow for this step when scheduling your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Passos, São Joaquim de Bicas, São Francisco, Rio Acima, Santo Antônio do Amparo, Araçuaí, Cachoeira Dourada, Pedra Azul

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