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Gravatá: The charm of the interior of Pernambuco and its attractions not to be missed

Gravatá, located in the interior of Pernambuco, is 80 km from Recife, on the BR-232 highway, which connects Recife to Caruaru.

With a altitude of 447 metres above sea level and a pleasant climate with an average temperature of 16 degrees, Gravatá stands out for the centuries-old architecture of its houses, a solid hotel chain and furniture and handicrafts shops.

1. Tourism in Gravatá

Tourism in Gravatá is characterised by nature, with trails, farms, waterfalls and stud farms. The town also offers a rich gastronomic, historical and cultural trail, with squares, the Furniture Centre and restaurants that attract many tourists.

2. Main attractions

The most visited places in Gravatá are the Public Market, the Alto do Cruzeiro, the Santana Mother Church, the Chucre Mussa Zarzar Events Centre and the Furniture Centre.

The local gastronomy is diverse, ranging from exquisite Italian and Swiss restaurants to traditional pub food.

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3. Gravatá’s Tourist Attractions

1. Alto do Cruzeiro

Alto do Cruzeiro is home to the statue of Christ the Redeemer and is accessible via 365 steps known as the Staircase of Happiness. There you can sample the local cuisine in the restaurants while enjoying the sunset.

At an altitude of 600 metres, Alto do Cruzeiro is a natural elevation in the city centre, where you’ll find rocky outcrops and bromeliads (also known as gravatá). From here you can see the urban area, the Serra do Maroto and the Serra Negra, which belongs to the Bezerros municipality.

Here you will find the image of Christ the Redeemer, the Chapel of Cristo Rei, the Cruzeiro, the Escadaria da Felicidade, and bars and restaurants.

Address: Alto do Cruzeiro, via Rua 07 de Setembro or Rua Régis Velho.

2. Furniture Centre

The Gravatá Furniture Centre sells rustic furniture made from solid wood such as maçaranduba and angelim. Located at the entrance to the city, the centre is the main outlet for handmade production.

Solid wood furniture in a rustic style is the most popular, complemented by decorative and functional pieces in aluminium, bronze and vine. There are also cafes, chocolate shops, snack bars and convenience stores.

Address: Rua Duarte Coelho.

3. Monsenhor Cremildo Batista de Oliveira Park

This 37,000 m² park offers leisure facilities for locals and tourists. It has a 1,100 m jogging track, a 2,200 m² cycling track, a 500 m² skateboard track, a water mirror, an amphitheatre with seating for 1,500 people, an arts square, a library, a nurses’ station, shops and a 140-space car park.

4. Artisan’s Station

The Artisan’s Station is located in the old railway station, next to the Chucre Mussa Zarzar Events Patio, where local artisans sell their wares.

5. Cultural Market

Built in 1911, the former “Charque Market”, now known as the Cultural Market, offers a varied gastronomic and cultural experience.

The architecture of the place has been preserved and the stalls sell spices and typical dishes of the Agreste, as well as a space for cultural performances.

Address: Rua Sérgio Loreto, s/n, Centre.

6. Gravatá Memorial

The Gravatá Memorial, located on the site of the old public prison, was built in 1911 and is an example of early 20th century military architecture. The site was the scene of revolutionary struggles in the 1920s, including the Tenants’ Movement.

In 1985, the old prison was transformed into the Pastor Rosalino da Costa Lima House of Culture, and in 2002 into the Memorial, which keeps alive the memory of the city’s inhabitants.

Address: Rua Tenente Cleto Campelo, s/n, Centre.

7. Palmeira Waterfall

The Palmeira Waterfall, located 15 kilometres from the city, is commercially exploited and is one of the region’s natural attractions.

8. Historical architecture

Gravatá is rich in buildings from past centuries, such as the City Hall (1908), the Matriz de Sant’Ana Church (1810), the houses on Joaquim Didier Avenue and the Capela do Cruzeiro, which give the city a special charm.

9. Cascavel Bridge

The Cascavel Bridge, located at the level of the Serra das Russas, near km 82 of the BR-232, is about 48 metres high and was built by the English at the beginning of the 19th century to support the old railway that connected Recife to the Sertão. Today, the bridge is a destination for adventure seekers, including abseiling.

10. Off-road trails

The people of Gravatá have a real passion for off-road trails and 4×4 vehicles, using their cars to explore the diverse landscapes around the city.

11. Horse riding

Gravatá is known as the Land of the Horse, with more than 400 stud farms spread throughout the municipality. The town also organises horse breeding events.

12. Flower Route

Gravatá is famous for being the largest producer of tropical flowers in the north and northeast, and for its unique perfume.

13. Mother Church of St. Anne

The Igreja Matriz de Sant’Ana, patron saint of Gravatá, had its foundation stone laid on 19 October 1983. The church was built on the site of an old chapel that was demolished in 1940.

In November of the same year, the new parish church was consecrated, with a chapel, choir, sacristy and a 35-metre side bell tower.

Address: Rua Rui Barbosa, s/n, Centre.

14. Cultural events

Walking and abseiling activities are organised every weekend along the old railway lines and bridges. The most popular activities are the 6 km walk along the abandoned tracks and the 50 metre negative abseil, organised by various private companies.

There are monthly Catholic events organised by the Canção Nova de Gravatá, located on the BR 232, km 81 (local road), which include talks, training and concerts.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 06/01/2022 · Updated on 14/05/2025

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