district · Diamantina, MG
Vila do Biribiri
A workers' village built around a textile factory founded in 1876 and closed in 1973, about 14 km from the center. The complex, listed by Iepha (the Minas Gerais state heritage institute) in 1998, is next to the Parque Estadual do Biribiri, with waterfalls.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vila do Biribiri
The Vila do Biribiri is an old workers' village on the outskirts of Diamantina, next to the Parque Estadual do Biribiri (state park). The name comes from the Tupi language and is usually translated as "deep hole", a reference to the valley surrounded by mountains where it sits.
The village grew up around a textile factory set up in 1876 at the initiative of Bishop João Antônio dos Santos, the first bishop of Diamantina, and his brothers. The factory employed mainly young women from the region and operated until 1973. After that, the village was left almost empty. The architectural and landscape complex was listed by Iepha, the Minas Gerais state heritage institute, in 1998.
Visitors find a large lawn surrounded by the former workers' houses, the Capela do Sagrado Coração de Jesus (chapel) and the buildings of the old factory. Some houses serve as restaurants with Minas Gerais food and a café. The atmosphere is peaceful, with few residents.
The outing is usually combined with the park's waterfalls, such as Sentinela and Cristais. The village itself is flat and easy to explore on foot; access is by dirt road.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours in the village; the whole day if you include the park's waterfalls.
Best time
In the dry season, from April to September, when the dirt road is in better shape; arrive in the morning to have lunch in the village and enjoy the waterfalls in the afternoon.
How to get there
It is about 20 minutes by car from downtown Diamantina, on a dirt road that passes the entrance of the Parque Estadual do Biribiri (state park). Follow the signs, because GPS often suggests the wrong routes.
Tip
Bring cash, because there is an entrance fee for the village. On weekends and holidays, arrive early to get a table at the restaurants.
Official website
A look at the place
Vila do Biribiri in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vila do Biribiri
Is there an entrance fee for the Vila do Biribiri?
Yes, there is a fee to enter the village. Check the price on the Diamantina city government's tourism website.
How far is the Vila do Biribiri from Diamantina?
About 20 minutes by car from the center, on a dirt road.
Do I need a guide to go to Biribiri?
Not to visit the village and the main waterfalls: the road is signposted. A guide is recommended for longer trails in the park.
Can I get there in a regular car?
Generally yes, the dirt road is in good condition. After heavy rains, it is worth checking conditions beforehand.
Is there somewhere to eat in the Vila do Biribiri?
Yes, some old houses serve as restaurants with Minas Gerais food and a café.