At the Pórtico, at the entrance to São Joaquim do Monte on the PE-112, stands a 3.5-meter-high monument to Frei Damião. A telescope is pointed toward the Santuário do Frei Damião; visitors can use it to observe Alto do Cruzeiro. In this way, the Pórtico combines remembrance of Frei Damião with the opportunity to observe Alto do Cruzeiro.
Frei Damião and Outdoor Art
At the Santuário do Frei Damião stands a ten-meter-high statue created by José Caxiado da Silva, also known as Tita Caxiado. The Santuário also includes the Igreja de São Sebastião and the Casa das Promessas. The Romaria held there also has a historic connection with Frei Damião: he took part in its first three editions, in 1993, 1994 and 1995. The church, Casa das Promessas and statue offer distinct religious and cultural points of reference; the Romaria adds a specific historical connection.
The Museu Caxiado is an outdoor art exhibition laid out along a planned route with seven stops. The collection includes works by Caxiado as well as photographs, certificates, banners, books, records, television reports, newspapers, magazines and documentaries about the history of the Museu Caxiado. Artworks and various media are displayed side by side here. Visits must be arranged in advance.
Church, Park and Seasonal Nature
Another historic church is the Igreja Matriz de São Joaquim do Monte. It was completed on January 6, 1916. Despite several changes, it has retained its form and distinctive features. The date and preserved appearance make the church a separate point of reference for local history, distinct from the Igreja de São Sebastião at the Santuário.
The Parque Municipal Olga Mendonça includes an 800-meter walking track. The park also has a multipurpose sports court, a municipal sports facility, an amphitheater and an event courtyard. Nearby Cachoeira Pedra Forte offers a different focus: it is formed by rainwater during the winter. Visitors choosing between these places can focus on the measured-length track and sports facilities or on the waterfall’s seasonal natural setting.
June Program and Devotion Nearby
In June 2023, Arraiá do Monte was held in the city center, celebrating the roots of the June festivals and Northeastern Brazilian musical traditions. The June program also included a parade through the streets, featuring the Bacamarteiros de Bananeirinha group. The 2nd Encontro de Danças Juninas in São Joaquim do Monte included about 17 performances in June 2023. If you are planning a trip around a festival, check the specific dates for your intended travel period.
At the nearby Capela de Paizinho in Sítio Caiana, many worshippers gather to pray the rosary. The chapel houses approximately 1,000 plaster and 600 wooden statues of saints, as well as paintings and oratories. The collection also includes items from the Netherlands, Portugal, the Vatican and Rio de Janeiro. This place brings religious devotion together with a collection representing diverse places of origin.
Discover more destinations: Recife, Amaraji, Igarassu, Petrolândia, Petrolina, Sirinhaém, Escada, Arcoverde
For the broader travel overview: Pernambuco.
