Catas Altas: Architectural History and Wine Culture

Discover Catas Altas through several distinct themes: its historic center with a protected parish church, a craft tradition of wine and liqueur making, and the Santuário do Caraça within the municipality. Sacred architectural history, local culture, and an ensemble shaped by both architecture and landscape offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Church, Construction Phases, and Cultural Heritage

The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is part of the historic center and has been a protected monument since 1939 under IPHAN. Its unfinished interior reveals different construction phases and its polychromy. This draws attention not only to the church’s form, but also to traces of its construction that can be seen inside. Anyone interested in sacred architecture will find a tangible way to explore architectural history and color design here.

The image of Saint Michael can also be viewed inside. It is protected as cultural heritage under Municipal Decree No. 995 of 2009. In front of the city’s main parish church stands the Chafariz de Pedra de Catas Altas, which has been under municipal protection since 2002. The image and the fountain are two distinct elements of local cultural heritage: one inside the church, the other in front of it. Together, they reveal different aspects of the protected heritage in this part of the city.

Wine Tradition and Festa do Vinho

At the municipal level, the craft production of jabuticaba and grape wines and liqueurs is listed as intangible cultural heritage in Catas Altas. The focus is therefore not just on a finished product, but also on the tradition of making it. This offers a different cultural focus for your trip than the buildings: alongside churches and heritage conservation, you can explore local craft and food culture.

The Festa do Vinho dedicated its XXV edition to 25 years of history, tradition, and the preservation of local culture. The Sunday program of the XXV edition begins at 2 p.m.; the best jabuticaba wine is also awarded a prize. This wine is recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Catas Altas.

Another Point of Interest in the Municipality

The architectural and landscape ensemble of the Santuário do Caraça is located in the municipality of Catas Altas and has been converted into a private natural heritage reserve (RPPN). It broadens the range of possible themes to include an ensemble with protected-area status. The buildings in the historic center and the Santuário represent different points of interest within the municipality.

When choosing your vacation rental, you can first consider which themes matter most during your stay: the parish church with its visible construction phases, the Chafariz de Pedra, the wine tradition, or the Santuário do Caraça. These priorities can guide your search without requiring every place to have the same focus. Those who prioritize sacred architectural history will find different points of interest than visitors especially interested in local traditions and their festival culture. Choose the location of your vacation rental to suit your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations:

Monte Sião, Santa Rita De Jacutinga, Rio Casca, São Francisco, Várzea Da Palma, Carmo do Cajuru, Melado, Matias Barbosa

For the main travel overview: Minas Gerais.