Pirenópolis

Pirenópolis (often misspelled Pirinópolis) is a historic city in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

Understand
Pirenópolis, like other historic cities in 18th-century Goiás, was founded by Bandeirantes from Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Portugal. Exploration for gold in the Serra dos Pirineus region began in 1728, one year after exploration began around the city of Goiás. Soon, Manoel Rodrigues Tomás, associated with Bandeirate Bartolomeu Bueno da Silva (Anhanguera), founded some mines he called the Minas de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Meia-Ponte. With the production of gold, Pirenópolis became an important urban center, well known for its cotton production as well. It was the first center for goiana music, and had Goiana's most important newspaper during the 19th century.

When the gold ran out at the end of the 19th century, the city's population began to shrink. Many moved to the new capital at Goiânia, or to cities in the south of the state, like Jataí, Rio Verde, Itumbiara, and Catalão. With the construction of nearby Brasilia in 1960, the city again began to grow, and the government decided to turn the city into a tourist destination, preserving many old buildings and the historic center.

By plane
Pirenopolis is 107km from Goiania and 150km from Brasilia, the closest airports. Buses connect the city to those capitals and other neighboring cities.

By bus

 * From Goiânia via Anápolis
 * From Brasilia Interestadual bus station: Viação Goianésia (tel. +61 3233 7891) has direct lines to Pirenópolis, or other lines that make a stop in Ceres. The 3-hour trip costs R$ 34 (Feb 2021). Just check the departure times on the app of Buscaonibus.

By car

 * From Goiânia, take BR-060 to Anápolis, then BR-153 to Jaranápolis, and finally GO-431 into town.
 * From Brasilia, take BR-070 to Cocalzinho, then the secondary highway to Pirenópolis via Corumbá de Goiás.

Get around
The town is best seen on foot. You may wear good sturdy shoes, as the stone-lined streets can be a little rough.

See

 * Abade Waterfall, (Cachoeira do Abade), with a 22-meter drop.
 * Cavalhadas Museum (Museu das Cavalhadas), Rua Direita, nº 39. This museum focuses on the history of the cavalhadas festival, marking the historic struggle between Christians and Muslims.
 * Pompeu Family Museum (Museu da Família Pompeu), Rua Nova, nº 33. Constructed in the 19th century, the building now houses a museum of the city's history..
 * Pirenópolis Theater (Teatro de Pirenópolis), Rua Comendador Joaquim Alves de Oliveira - Praça da Matriz. Constructed in 1899 and restored.
 * Cine Pireneus - Rua Direita, s/nº. This movie-house was built in neo-classical style in 1929, then reworked in art deco style in 1936. It is being restored.
 * Meeting Hall and Jail (Casa de Câmara e Cadeia), Rua Bernardo Sayão, s/nº. Constructed in 1919.
 * Meeting Hall and Jail (Casa de Câmara e Cadeia), Rua Bernardo Sayão, s/nº. Constructed in 1919.

Churches

 * Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Praça Manuel Jaime Lopes (Praça da Matriz). The oldest Catholic church in the state. It was built by African slaves in 1728 with funds gained through gold mining. In September 2002, it was partially destroyed by a fire. It has since been restored but the altar was lost. Another church, the Matriz dos Pretos, had fallen into ruins and nothing remained but the altar, so the church-less altar was united with the altar-less church here in 2005.
 * Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Alto do Carmo. Constructed by slaves in 1750, this baroque church holds many works rescued from other churches which were demolished.
 * Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, Rua do Bonfim, s/nº. Built by slaves between 1750 and 1755, it contains an image of Christ on the cross which was brought here from Porto Seguro, Bahia by almost 300 slaves.

Eat
Regional ingredients and dishes: pequi, guariroba, empadão goiano (a traditional chicken pie) and pamonha (sweet corn cooked with milk and cheese).

Go next

 * Brasília (124 km)
 * Caldas Novas (242 km)
 * Goiás City (142 km)
 * Cocalzinho (35 km)
 * Corumbá de Goiás (22 km)
 * Goiânia (105 km)
 * Jataí (419 km)