The Santuário Diocesano Nossa Senhora da Natividade is located in the heart of the city and is a much-visited place of prayer. Sacred history and historic sites shape the view of Natividade; several other destinations are nearby. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between places in the center and destinations outside the center. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether local history, a particular festival, or nearby destinations are the reason for your trip.
Sacred history and historic sites
The former Igreja Matriz was in operation from July 25, 1845; today it is the Santuário Diocesano Nossa Senhora da Natividade. In 2003, the Santuário was elevated to a diocesan sanctuary. The combination of a historic church and a present-day place of prayer makes it a distinctive destination for travelers interested in religious history.
The Estação Ferroviária de Natividade also marks a point in history: it opened in 1886. The church and the railway station represent different aspects of local history. The Rio Carangola offers another perspective, although at the municipal level: the river enters the municipality of Natividade at the border with Porciúncula and crosses its southern part. Its course therefore describes the municipality, not just the city center.
Festivals and cultural events
Semana Santa includes a performance of the Passion and death of Christ in a public square, involving more than 100 actors. Corpus Christi is celebrated with a procession and street carpets. Both traditions offer a glimpse into Natividade’s religious festival calendar, but have different emphases: one centers on the performance, the other on the procession.
The traditional September festival includes the theatrical performance Hora de Arte, which celebrates local culture on September 6. In the municipality of Natividade, EXFANA is an agricultural exhibition and fair with more than 20 years of tradition. The Festival Gastronômico Sabores de Natividade has a different focus: it takes place in the first week of May in a public square. If a festival is to determine your travel dates, check the dates for the relevant year before planning.
Destinations nearby
Sítio dos Milagres is outside the city center, 6 km from the center of Natividade on the road to Ourânia. The route is paved; road conditions may change. The site includes an exact replica of the house where Mary lived, described as unique in the world. This creates a special historical and religious connection with a destination outside the center.
Balneário Campestre Clube is 2 km from the city center. A 2017 tourist description mentions access to Cachoeira João Fernandes, whose rapids extend for more than 1 km. The same description also mentions Moinho Antigo. A 2017 description of Fazenda Mutuca mentions waterfalls and a camping area. Another description from that time lists Pesque e Pague Ponte Nova as a facility with several ponds for sport fishing. Before planning, check which services are currently available at these destinations.
Historic fazendas also offer different points of reference in time. Fazenda São José was built around 1820, and Fazenda Taboca around 1850. An older tourist description of Fazenda Taboca mentions walks, visits to the farm buildings, fishing for a fee, and swimming in the rapids. If you would like to plan these activities, check in advance which ones are currently offered.
Plan your travel dates and accommodation
The paved state highway RJ-220 serves Natividade. Check current road conditions before your trip; conditions may also change on the paved route to Sítio dos Milagres. This lets you include festival dates and nearby destinations in your plans without assuming a particular travel time for the distances to each place.
Discover more destinations: Volta Redonda, Paraíba Do Sul, Paquequer Pequeno, Paty Do Alferes, Guandu, Bom Jardim, Casimiro De Abreu, Mangaratiba.
For the broader travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.
