Set on the banks of the Paraiba do Sul, Campos dos Goytacazes is a sprawling municipality in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. It takes its name from the Portuguese word for “fields” (“campos”) and the indigenous people, the Goytacazes, who inhabited the region prior to the arrival of Europeans.
Things to do in Campos
In the heart of Campos dos Goytacazes is the Catedral Santíssimo Salvador, which was originally built in 1745 on the site of a rubble wall and thatched roof church. In 1970, the cathedral underwent a major renovation, resulting in the Neoclassical-style building seen today. In addition to its beautiful stained-glass windows, the cathedral is fronted by bronze statues of the four evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Catedral Santissimo Salvador dominates the Praça das Quatro Jornadas, a lively local meeting place lined with palm trees and centred around a photogenic fountain. It’s a short stroll from the Campos History Museum, which offers a wealth of information about the city’s past. Set across two storeys, its collection includes period-furnished rooms, vintage costumes and old newspapers.
A short drive north of Campos dos Goytacazes is the Solar da Baronesa de Muriae, which once served as the headquarters of a sugar and brandy factory. Built in 1844, it is now abandoned but stands as an atmospheric reminder of the area’s agricultural heritage. Also nearby is the monumental Rancho Gabriela, which regularly hosts equestrian events.
Getting around Campos
Bartolomeu Lysandro Airport is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Campos dos Goytacazes and has flights to destinations across Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and Tom Jobim International Airport are just under four hours’ drive away. Long-distance buses connect to Campos dos Goytacazes and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.