The municipality of Paraibuna preserves a tradition of handmade paçoca that is more than 100 years old. On Sunday mornings, producers prepare paçoca in the traditional way at the Mercado Municipal de Paraibuna. Visitors can watch the process and take part. Check the schedule before your visit, as the time may change. This offers a chance to experience local food craftsmanship not only as a finished product but also while it is being made.
Church Architecture and Historic Buildings
A walk through Paraibuna’s historic center offers a glimpse into the town’s past. Construction of the Igreja Matriz – Paróquia Santo Antônio began in 1872; it was officially inaugurated on September 7, 1886. Mansions stand around Praça da Matriz, most of them dating from the 19th century. They follow the colonial style and were built almost entirely from rammed earth. Rammed earth is compacted soil; here, the material connects the buildings to a historic building method. Together, their period, style, and building material give the townscape a distinctive architectural character.
The building that houses the Fundação Cultural Benedicto Siqueira e Silva also tells the story of a different use: it was built in 1878 to house a cotton stocking factory. The foundation maintains a Historical Archive with rare documents available for research. Those interested in Paraibuna’s history will find another way to explore it through written records, alongside its architecture. Bica D’água is considered part of Paraibuna’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Water, Views, and Nature in the Municipality
In the municipality of Paraibuna, the Paraitinga and Paraibuna rivers meet at the Represa de Paraibuna to form the Rio Paraíba do Sul. The reservoir is used for recreational fishing, regattas, motorboat and boat trips, sailing, canoeing, and jet skiing. Its activities range from water sports to fishing. The deck on Avenida Beira Rio, Avenida Dr. Carlos Guimarães, is a suitable place for a walk and to take in the surroundings.
At Parque Natural Municipal Dr. Rui Calazans de Araújo, also known as Parque do Fundão, plants and animals of the Atlantic Forest vegetation are protected. They are easy to observe along the existing trails. Nearby is Mirante dos Remédios, 18 kilometers from the town. It is one of the highest points in the municipality; on a clear day, the view extends to the towns of the Vale do Paraíba. The lookout also has a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, the patron saint of Black people.
Routes, Cycling, and Music
The Rota da Luz passes through Paraibuna. Pilgrims travel along it to the Santuário Nacional de Nossa Senhora Aparecida. The municipality also has dirt roads and cycling routes, including challenging trails. These offer different experiences: the route to the sanctuary on the one hand, and cycling on local roads and trails on the other.
Music is on the program at Domingueira da Viola, with performances of Caipira and Sertaneja music. It takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. behind the Mercado Municipal de Paraibuna. Check the time and venue before your trip so you can plan according to the latest information.
Discover more destinations: Suzano, Cosmópolis, Mairiporã, Santa Bárbara D'oeste, Ourinhos, Lorena, São José Do Barreiro, Brigadeiro Tobias.
For the overview of destinations: São Paulo.
