1
Day -
BHZ - Congonhas - Mariana
Departure from Belo Horizonte to Congonhas.
Congonhas contains important works from the Golden Age of Brazil. The main points of interest are Aleijadinho’s sculptural masterpieces of the twelve Prophets, carved in soapstone and his sculptural representation of the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross), done in polychromatic woodwork. The set of life-sized sculptures is Brazil’s greatest artistic treasure.
The trip follows to Mariana, an enchanted city, founded in 1696, was for a short time the capital of State of Minas Gerais. It was originaly called Royal Village of Our Lady of Carmel. In 1745 it received its present name which was in honor of Queen Maria Ana. A walk down its picturesque streets allows you to see houses which date from the beginning of the XVIII century, with their balconies of wood, iron and even soapstone.
In Minas Gerais Plaza, the churches of St. Francis of Assissi with its richly sculptured door, our Lady of Carmel, the City Hall and the Pillory can be found.
Optional: Visit to Gold Mine
Lunch will be served in a typical restaurant.
Back to Ouro Preto.
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