Três Corações offers two distinct ways to explore Dondinho and Pelé: Parque Municipal Dondinho combines an enclosed, wooded green space with a monument, while Casa Pelé evokes the early family history of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, later known as Pelé. For planning your trip, this distinction is more useful than a simple list of names: you can decide whether you are particularly interested in a place for recreation, a local memorial, or the reconstructed childhood home. The details below show what each place is about.

Parque Municipal Dondinho: green space and monument

Parque Municipal Dondinho is a fenced, wooded area with a large green space for the whole family to enjoy. The park honors João Ramos do Nascimento, known as Dondinho, the father of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who was born in Três Corações. Its cement statue depicts Dondinho and the young Pelé with a ball beneath their feet. It was created by Afonso Barra, a sculptor from Três Corações. The green space’s recreational role sits alongside the tribute to Dondinho; the statue makes the connection to the young Pelé visible through its depiction of father and son. In this way, the park combines a wooded recreational area with a specific connection to the family history of Dondinho and Pelé.

Casa Pelé: a reconstructed home

Casa Pelé recreates the residence where the young Edson Arantes do Nascimento lived with his family until he was three years old. It focuses on a recreated home and an early period in his life. Its furnishings include replicas of furniture and aged objects, as well as a wood-burning stove and a radio station playing music from the 1940s. There are historic jabuticaba trees in the courtyard. The music adds a distinct sense of time, while the trees make the courtyard part of the residence being described. In this way, Casa Pelé connects household objects, a musical element, and the courtyard with the story of Edson’s early childhood. It opened as a tourist attraction in 2012. The features may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Two distinct focuses

The key to choosing between them is the difference in perspective: Parque Dondinho combines recreation in a green setting with a depiction of father and son, while Casa Pelé focuses on the domestic and biographical setting of early childhood. Consider whether, during your stay, you are more interested in a green space with a monument or a reconstructed residence and its furnishings. This way, you can assess Três Corações based on the themes that matter to you, rather than treating the two places as similar attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Itaobim, Grão Mogol, Carmo do Cajuru, Oliveira, Pimenta, Barbacena, Paraguaçu, Santos Dumont

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.