Pirenopolis
Tissume (arts and crafts)
The Historic Town of Pirenopolis, founded in 1727 at the time of European gold mining exploration in Brazil, is located at an elevation of 770 meters in the foothills of the Serra dos Pireneus. Its population is about 15,000 people. The town is cut by Rio da Almas, which transparent water flows over beautiful light colored rocks, giving the town a bucolic feeling. Pirenopolis has been considered for its beautiful colonial architecture to be a nationalheritage by IPHAN (National Institute for Artistic and Historic Monuments).
A cidade histórica de Pirenópolis, fundada em 1727 durante a época da exploração do ouro no Brasil pelos europeus, está localizada há uma elevação de 770 metros de altura nos pés da serra dos Pireneus. Sua população é hoje de cerca de 15.000 pessoas na área urbana. A cidade é cortada pelo Rio das Almas, cujas águas transparentes passam por campos e florestas e correm sobre pedras de coloração clara, o que dá a cidade um ar bastante bucólico. Devido a sua bela arquitetura colonial, Pirenópolis foi tombada como patrimônio histórico e cultural pelo IPHAN.
The town has a very strong cultural background. Here arts abound. There are several festivals throughout the year, the most well known being the Festa do Divino Espirito Santo, celebrated in May, 45 days after Easter.
Best time to visit Pirenopolis is in the dry season, from April to July when temperatures are pleasant (50 F to 80 F), and in the rain season, from October to December. August and September are the hottest months of the year with temperatures up to 98 F.
Pirenopolis is located 70 miles southwest from Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. It has become a popular weekend retreat for people from the capital, who come to enjoy the many comfortable B&Bs, nice restaurants, arts and crafts shopping, and the fascinating Cerrado environment.