Bicas: Railway History, Chapel and Market

Bicas’s history developed around the railway station; at the height of coffee production, the town was a centre for coffee exports. Together with a chapel dating from 1870, a Saturday market and an outdoor nature activity, these make for a trip that combines historical interests with regional discoveries.

Railway history and historic sites

The town’s development around the railway station and its former role as a centre for coffee exports are two aspects of its history. The station reflects the development of Bicas; coffee exports speak to the town’s economic importance at the height of coffee production. Those interested in this past will find another historical reference point in the Capela de São Miguel, built in 1870. Its year of construction provides a specific point of reference, while the railway station and exports tell the broader story of the town.

The Instituto Histórico José Maria Veiga has a historical archive that is open to the public from outside the institution. Confirm visiting arrangements in advance. The archive and chapel offer different perspectives: the archive provides access to local history, while the chapel is a reference point dating from 1870. If you include cultural stops in your holiday plans, you can distinguish between the historical archive and the building.

Market and outdoor activities

The Saturday Feira Livre complements the historical themes with regional produce: typical products from Minas Gerais and family farming are sold there in Bicas. Saturday is therefore the specific market day to bear in mind when planning your trip. Unlike the archive and chapel, the focus here is on produce from Minas Gerais and family farming.

In the municipality of Bicas, Horto Florestal is an outdoor place to enjoy physical activity in nature. It offers a different focus for your trip than the archive and market. Check the latest details before visiting. If you want to combine culture and activity, you can consider both in your plans.

Minas Gerais in a broader context

The wider destination of Minas Gerais adds its own dimension of nature. Across the state, 94 protected areas safeguard nearly 2 million hectares across three biomes: the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Caatinga. Tourism is established in 17 natural parks in Minas Gerais. These figures describe the state as a whole and offer a perspective beyond the history of an individual town. If you are planning your trip on a broader scale, protected areas and natural parks in Minas Gerais can be a focus in their own right.

Cultural traditions also have a statewide context: the craft of bell ringers in Minas Gerais is recognised as Brazilian cultural heritage. The artisanal production of Minas cheese in Minas Gerais is also recognised as Brazilian cultural heritage. Alongside the protected areas, these themes offer another perspective on nature and culture in the state. They complement your impressions of Bicas with a view of Minas Gerais as a whole.

Planning your holiday

When looking for a holiday rental in Bicas, it makes sense to first consider which themes you want to shape your stay. The town’s history and chapel offer a cultural focus; the Saturday market provides a set day for regional produce, while Horto Florestal adds the option of physical activity in nature.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Moeda, Lagoa Dourada, Brasópolis, Belo Vale, Lassance, Padre Paraíso, Varginha, Água Comprida

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.