the highest point of the park is at 100 meters high, where the pedra do cão sentado sits - translated as, 'stone dog sitting', the pedra do cão sentado is a rock formation that resembles a watchdog looking over the city. 

to reach the summit, visitors are obliged to walk for a mile through caves and caverns, but once at the top, they enjoy stunning views of much of the city - historical and cultural monuments line the streets leading up to nova friburgo's elderly square, praça presidente getúlio vargas.

listed by the national institute of historic and artistic heritage, the square was built in 1881, after being designed by architect auguste marie françois glaziou - the square is a delightful spectacle of intelligent architecture and pleasant natural condiments, which include a fountain, a gazebo, eucalyptus trees and flowerbeds.