neighborhood · Rio Claro, RJ
Lídice
A mountain district named in 1944 in honor of the Czech village destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. A Phoenix statue symbolizes rebirth, and the surroundings have dozens of waterfalls and pools.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lídice
Lídice is a mountain district of Rio Claro, in the south of Rio de Janeiro state, on the RJ-155. The village grew out of an old farm and for a long time was called Santo Antônio do Capivary, also known as Vila do Parado.
The current name came on June 10, 1944, in honor of the Czech village of Lidice, destroyed by the Nazis in 1942: the men were shot, the women sent to concentration camps and the place burned down. Several Allied countries, Brazil among them, gave the name to places as a tribute. On the main square, a Phoenix statue, unveiled the same day, recalls rebirth after destruction.
The small center has the square, the main church, simple shops and the Casa Cultural de Lídice. Every June the district holds the Festa da Paz (Peace Festival), marking the date of the tribute.
What draws most visitors is the surrounding nature: clear rivers, pools and more than ten waterfalls, such as Três Quedas, Borboletas and Sebastião Marinho, the last easy to reach and good for families. For hikers, there are mountain trails, such as Pedra Chata, in the Parque Estadual Cunhambebe.
Some waterfalls are close to the paved road; others require a dirt road and a trail, with a high-clearance car in the rainy season. It's a peaceful destination for river swimming, hiking and mountain air.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A weekend lets you see the center and visit a few waterfalls; the center alone takes about an hour.
Best time
In summer, between November and January, the waterfalls are fullest; choose sunny days and mornings for swimming. The mountain winter is pleasant for hiking.
How to get there
Lídice is on the RJ-155, the road linking Barra Mansa and Rio Claro to Angra dos Reis, about 40 km from Angra. The most practical way is by car: there's no direct bus from Rio de Janeiro, and you have to go first to the town of Rio Claro.
Tip
After heavy rain, the dirt roads to several waterfalls get bad: check conditions in the village before you set out and choose a high-clearance car.
A look at the place
Lídice 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 Lídice
Why is the district called Lídice?
In 1944 the former Vila do Parado was renamed in honor of the Czech village of Lidice, destroyed by the Nazis in 1942. The Phoenix statue on the square symbolizes rebirth.
What town is Lídice in?
It's a district of the municipality of Rio Claro, in the south of Rio de Janeiro state, on the RJ-155, about 40 km from Angra dos Reis.
What are the waterfalls in Lídice?
Among the best known are Três Quedas, Borboletas, Sebastião Marinho and Segredo, which only appears in the rainy season.
When is the best time to visit Lídice?
Between November and January the waterfalls are fullest. In June the Festa da Paz takes place, recalling the tribute to the Czech village.
Can I get to Lídice by bus?
There's no direct bus from Rio de Janeiro; you have to go to Rio Claro first. To get around between the waterfalls, a car is the most practical option.