Muriaé, Commercial center in Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Muriaé is a city in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil. The river that shares its name runs through the center, dividing neighborhoods on either bank with bridges connecting the two sides.
The first settlers arrived in 1817 and founded a trading post along the river route connecting the interior with coastal ports. The settlement grew steadily and received municipal status in 1855 before becoming a full city a decade later.
The municipal festivals showcase the regional gastronomy of Minas Gerais, featuring traditional dishes made with corn and cassava from local agricultural production.
The downtown area spreads out around the main square and church, where most shops and cafes concentrate along the surrounding streets. Two federal highways pass near the city, making it a convenient stop between larger urban centers in Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro state.
Several universities operate campuses here, bringing students from across the Zona da Mata and adding a younger energy to the streets near the education buildings. Local bakeries serve pão de queijo in larger portions than in most other towns, a detail regulars quickly come to appreciate.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
