church · Alfredo Chaves, ES
Conventinho da Penha
A chapel on a hilltop in the village of Carolina, about 860 meters above sea level, built more than a century ago by an Italian immigrant. You reach it on a trail of about 30 minutes through the forest, and the top has an 11-meter cross.
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 Conventinho da Penha
Conventinho da Penha (chapel) is a small chapel on a hilltop in the village of Carolina, in the countryside of Alfredo Chaves. The affectionate nickname, "little Penha convent," comes from its resemblance to the famous Convento da Penha in Vila Velha, and the chapel is also dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Penha, patron saint of Espírito Santo.
The chapel was built more than a century ago by the Italian immigrant Egistro Pinon, with help from local residents. The first version was made of wattle and daub and, about 40 years later, it was rebuilt in masonry.
To reach the top you have to tackle a trail of about 30 minutes through the forest. The effort pays off with a panoramic view of the mountains of Alfredo Chaves. At the top there is also an 11-meter-tall cross.
Every year, on the patron saint's day, after Easter, devotees hike up the trail for Mass, followed by auctions and traditional food. The climb requires fitness and is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside about two hours, counting the trail there and back and time on the hilltop.
Best time
In fall and winter, when it rains less and the sky is usually clearer for the view; climb in the morning, when it is cooler on the trail.
How to get there
It is on a hilltop in the village of Carolina, in the countryside of Alfredo Chaves. You can hike the trail from Carolina or from the São Roque de Maravilha side.
Tip
Wear sneakers or hiking boots and bring water: the path goes uphill through the forest and can get slippery after rain.
A look at the place
Conventinho da Penha 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 Conventinho da Penha
Where is Conventinho da Penha?
On a hilltop in the village of Carolina, in the countryside of Alfredo Chaves, in the Espírito Santo mountains.
How long is the trail to Conventinho da Penha?
About 30 minutes uphill through the forest. It takes some fitness.
Why is it called Conventinho da Penha?
Because it resembles the Convento da Penha in Vila Velha. The chapel is also dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Penha.
Who built the chapel?
The Italian immigrant Egistro Pinon, with help from local residents, more than a century ago. It started as wattle and daub and was later rebuilt in masonry.
When is the festival at Conventinho da Penha?
On the day of the patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Penha, after Easter, with Mass on the hilltop, auctions and traditional food.