an intriguing formation, pedra riscada is translated as 'scrated stone', and was given its name due to the ribbed vertical faces of the rocks - hiking to the pedra riscada is particularly popular with mountaineers, but is also a favored attraction for eco visitors, due to the incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding nature.

legend has it that famous bandit, mão de luva, may have hidden his fortune of gold and diamonds at pedra riscada, which may be found, one day, by a lucky visitor to the spot.

showing respect to both the city's patron, saint john the baptist, and to king dom joão vi, for authorizing the settlement, the swiss settlers dedicated this church to them, in 1869, when it was built.