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Cave · São Thomé das Letras, MG
Gruta de São Thomé
Quartzite grotto beside the Igreja Matriz in downtown São Thomé das Letras, linked to the legend that gave the town its name and with rock paintings on the walls. A stairway behind it leads to a viewpoint over the center.
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 Gruta de São Thomé
The Gruta de São Thomé is attached to the Igreja Matriz in the central square. It is a quartzite outcrop with two entrances and, on its walls, rock paintings that former landowners and residents called letters, the origin of the town's name.
Legend says that in the 18th century a fugitive enslaved man named João Antão hid in the grotto and there found an image of São Tomé and a letter. When the landowner João Francisco Junqueira learned of the story, he granted him freedom and ordered a chapel to be built on the site, which later gave way to the mother church.
The visit is short, within the square itself, and there is no entrance fee. Behind the grotto, a stone stair leads to the top of the rock, a viewpoint known as A Toca, from which you can see the roofs of the center and, in the distance, the heights where Parque Municipal Antônio Rosa sits.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 30 minutes, including the climb to the viewpoint.
Best time
At any time of day. In the late afternoon, the viewpoint over the grotto often gathers those who want to watch the sunset without leaving the center.
How to get there
It is in the central square, beside the Igreja Matriz de São Thomé. The stairway to the viewpoint starts behind the grotto.
Tip
Do not touch the rock paintings. The staircase to the viewpoint is stone and narrow: climb carefully, especially when it's raining.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gruta de São Thomé
What is in the Gruta de São Thomé?
Rock paintings on the quartzite walls, linked to the town's name, and the story of the image of São Tomé that, according to legend, was found there. Behind the grotto there is a staircase up to a lookout over the town center.
What is the legend of São Thomé das Letras?
According to tradition, an escaped enslaved man, João Antão, found an image of São Tomé and a letter in the grotto. The landowner João Francisco Junqueira granted him freedom and ordered a chapel built on the site, which became the origin of the town.
Do you have to pay to enter the Gruta de São Thomé?
No entrance fee is charged. The grotto is in the central square, next to the Igreja Matriz.