Faith, Saint Friar Galvão and rural tourism
In 1739, the first Brazilian-born person to be beatified by the Vatican was born in the town of Guaratinguetá: Friar Antônio de Sant’Anna Galvão was later canonized on May 11, 2007, by Pope Benedict XVI.
The local religiousness, easily noticed in the Cave of Our Lady of Lourdes, with its blessed water widely sought by pilgrims, was then strengthened by the devotion to Friar Galvão. The town also features religious temples that have combined architecture, art, beauty and faith since the 18th century.
Visitors can also explore the countryside and enjoy the beauty of the Mantiqueira mountains and the local rural life, inextricably linked with ancient roads to the coast. In the center of the city, architecture and culture mix present and past, revealing the local traditions that can also be seen in annual festivals and feasts.
Main attractions
Our Lady of Carmo Chapel, Friar Galvão’s Home, Home of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, Cave of Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Anthony Cathedral, Fazenda Esperança (São Manoel, Pedrinha and Santa Edwiges), Friar Galvão Church, Saint Rita Church, Saint Expeditus Church, Our Lady of Graces Church, Monastery of the Immaculate Conception, Friar Galvão Seminar, Rail Station, City Marketplace, Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves Historic Museum, Friar Galvão Museum and Memory Archives of Guaratinguetá, Santa Luzia Park, Rangel de Camargo Manor.
Main events
Serenades and Carnival (February/March), Saint Benedict Feast (April), Expo-Guará – Farm Fair (May), Trout Festival, Saint Anthony Feast, City Anniversary, Saint Peter Feast (June), Banana Festival and Italian Festival (September), Friar Galvão’s Brotherhood and Friar Galvão Feast (October).
Getting there
Guaratinguetá is 178 km from São Paulo city.
Car: Rodovia Ayrton Senna/Carvalho Pinto, exit to Taubaté and then Rodovia Presidente Dutra until the exit at km 71.
Bus: Viação Pássaro Marron - (55 + 11) 3775-3850 - 0800 285 30 47 - www.passaromarron.com.br
Buses depart from Terminal Rodoviário do Tietê (São Paulo – SP).
Service
Website: www.guaratingueta.sp.gov.br
Phone: (55 + 12) 3132-7276
E-mail: turismo@guaratingueta.sp.gov.br
Accommodation
Hotel Kafé - Praça Dr. Benedito Meirelles, 16 – Centro – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3128-2600 - E-mail: kafehotel@uol.com.br
Hotel Royal - Rua Dr. Martiniano, 222 – Centro – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3122- 2899
O Patury - Rodovia Presidente Dutra, Km 59 – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3132- 1000 - E-mail: gerencia@paturi.com.br
Hotel Clube dos 500 - Rodovia Presidente Dutra, Km 60 – Rio Comprido - Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3132- 3555 - E-mail: hclub500@fastnet.com.br
Lotus Hotel - Rua Abílio Coré, 251 – Chacara Selles - Guaratinguetá - Tel: (12) 3013 7999 - E-mail: reservas@hotelotus.com.br
Pousada Monte Verde - Estrada José Jorge Boueri, 24300 – Pedrinha – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3127- 6137 - www.gomeral.com.br
Pousada Donana - Estrada José Jorge Boueri, 9000 – Pedrinha – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 9778.6099 - www.gomeral.com.br
Camping Clube do Brasil - Rodovia Presidente Dutra, Km 60 – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3122- 4175
Dining
Esperança - Rua Com. Rodrigues Alves, 144 – Centro – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3122-3366
Minuano - Rua Comendador Rodrigues Alves, 14 – Centro – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3122-2416
Mercatto da Villa - Rua Avenida Ministro Urbano Marcondes, 408 – Vila Paraíba– Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3126.1188
Restaurante Tao do Gomeral - Estr. Parque José Jorge Boueri, s/n – Guaratinguetá - Tel: (12) 3105-6159 / 8136-1931 - taodogomeral@gmail.com
Augusto Grill - Rua Avenida Presidente Vargas. Nº 49 Vila Paraíba – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3125.1522 / 3125.5599
Restaurante Shimazu - Rua Dr. Martiniano, 185 – Centro – Guaratinguetá - Tel.: (12) 3122- 4578
