Currais Novos: Churches, Geosites and Mining History

Currais Novos combines religious heritage in the historic centre with geosites and mining history in the surrounding area. The Igreja Matriz de Sant’Ana is a cultural focal point; Morro do Cruzeiro adds panoramic views of the city. Mina Brejuí and Pico do Totoró add scheelite mining, landforms and a hike to the picture. This brings together everything from heritage in the historic centre to geology and mining history in the surrounding area.

Religious heritage in the historic centre

The Igreja Matriz de Sant’Ana is one of Currais Novos’s most important religious and historical landmarks. As part of the municipality’s heritage, it is part of the visitor experience in the historic centre. For travellers who want to include religious sites and historical context in their exploration of the destination, it is a tangible cultural anchor. Its focus differs from that of the geosites and mining history: here, church heritage takes centre stage. The connection between the church and the historic centre makes Sant’Ana a distinct way to get to know Currais Novos.

Views and geopark connections

Cruzeiro de Currais Novos, also known as Morro do Cruzeiro, is a religious viewpoint and a geosite offering panoramic views of Currais Novos. The hill is part of the group of geosites associated with Geopark Seridó. This location combines views of the city with religious and geological significance. Unlike Igreja Matriz de Sant’Ana, the focus here is not church heritage in the historic centre, but the views of Currais Novos and its classification as a geosite.

For practical guidance, the Geopark Seridó administrative office at the entrance to Currais Novos on Avenida 13 de Maio serves as a tourist information point. Check the operating details before your trip if you plan to use this information point.

Mining history and nearby destinations

Mina Brejuí preserves the memory of scheelite mining, an activity that shaped the local economy. The section adapted for tourist visits includes about 300 metres of tunnels and galleries. Mina Brejuí therefore offers a different focus from the church and viewpoint: the emphasis is on mining history and the work associated with it. The mine is particularly interesting for travellers who want to include the area’s economic past in their explorations, alongside its heritage and geosites.

Pico do Totoró offers another connection between landscape and culture. It is mentioned in Currais Novos’s official city song and inspires various forms of artistic expression, including paintings, poems and songs. Pedra do Navio, a landform within the Pico do Totoró geosite, is located at the peak. Reaching the summit requires a hike of about 500 metres along a moderately accessible trail. Check trail conditions locally before planning your hike. Pico is classified as a geosite of national significance; its classification status is “under review”.

Factor experiences into your holiday rental plans

When looking for a holiday rental in Currais Novos, the location of the places you plan to visit is also a practical consideration. Sant’Ana is part of the visitor experience in the historic centre; Mina Brejuí and Pico do Totoró are nearby destinations, each about 10 kilometres from the city centre. If you want to combine visits to the historic centre with destinations in the surrounding area, factor these different locations into your daily plans. Each destination has a different focus: heritage in the centre, mining history at the mine, and geology, artistic connections and a moderately challenging climb at Pico.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Extremoz, São José De Mipibu, Cerro Corá, Nísia Floresta, Mossoró, Areia Branca, Montanhas, Tibau do Sul.

For the main travel overview: Rio Grande Do Norte.