Things to Do in Nova Lima

A small municipal museum in a restored colonial house, focusing on Nova Lima's gold mining past. Displays include tools, maps, and photographs.

🕐 Tue-Fri 9am-12pm, 1pm-5pm; Sat 9am-12pm

💡 Free entry, but bring ID – they log visitors. Only three rooms, so you'll be done in 20 minutes. Combine with the church visit.

The central square of Nova Lima, with a bandstand, old trees, and benches. Locals gather here in the evenings to chat or play dominoes.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Head to the corner bakery (Padaria Central) for R$2 coffee and a pastel – sit on the square bench to people-watch.

A large municipal park with trails through Atlantic forest, a small lake, and picnic areas. Kept clean and quiet on weekdays.

🕐 Tue-Sun 8am-5pm

💡 Visit on a Saturday morning when the local farmers' market sets up near the entrance – good for cheap fruit and snacks.

An abandoned iron ore mine now transformed into a public leisure area with a small museum about local mining history. The viewing platform overlooks the old pit.

🕐 Wed-Sun 9am-4pm

💡 Go just before sunset – the red-tinted rocks catch the light beautifully and it's cooler. No shade, so bring a hat.

The main Catholic church in Nova Lima's historic centre, built in the 18th century with simple baroque architecture and a painted wooden altar.

🕐 Mon-Sat 8am-12pm, 2pm-5pm; Sun mass only 10am

💡 Entry costs R$5 – pay at the small shop next door. The caretaker sometimes gives a short tour if you ask nicely.