Tucked away in the Paraíba Valley is a town that seems to have stood still in time. Bananal is a preserved piece of the 19th century and visitors will find beautiful historic mansions and other records of the region’s golden age: the coffee cycle.
The place still holds records of one of the country’s most prosperous periods. For a time, the region was so rich that it even had its own currency. Today, architectural remains and legends remain to tell the story of what was once one of Brazil’s largest economies.
What to do in Bananal?
The tour of the small town begins in its historic center. There, visitors will find several free attractions to visit, such as the Igreja Matriz do Senhor Bom Jesus do Livramento, founded in 1811.
There is also the oldest pharmacy in Brazil, dating from 1830, which is still in operation. An interesting European fountain dating from 1880 adds to the look of the center.
Bananal also has a railway station built with parts imported from Belgium in 1888 and used to transport the coffee produced in the town. In addition to its important role in the economy until the decline of the product, the station is unique in all of America due to its architecture and prefabricated construction.
Finally, if you’re out and about, it’s worth visiting traditional farms such as Boa Vista, Loanda and Coqueiros.
Coffee houses that stand the test of time
Even after all these years, Bananal still reflects the era of the coffee barons. Many luxury residences that housed coffee growers and their families can still be visited. There, all the grandeur is still preserved and the tour is like stepping back in time.
Portuguese tiles, Belgian crystal and fine wood are all part of the architectural ensemble that was built in the city during the 19th century. So, if you’re an enthusiast of Brazilian history, don’t miss a visit to Bananal.
