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Congonhas is 80 km far from Belo Horizonte, Around 1 hour trip, and 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 settlement of Congonhas began with the search for gold at the beginning of the 18th century. Among the many who tried their fortune there was Feliciano Mendes, a native of Guimardes in the Braga district of northern Portugal. As a result of having been cured of an illness, Mendes, a devotee of the Bom Jesus, wished to show his thanks.
With his own resources and a successful fundraising campaign, Feliciano began the construction of the Sanctuary of the Bom Jesus, continuing a devotion already existent in Braga. That devotion to the Crucified Christ had its roots in Matozinhos, a city near Porto (Portugal), and still has many adherents in northern Portugal. Ecclesiastical approval for the construction of the church was given on June 21, 1757, and Feliciano was the first administrator of the sanctuary. Initially, all administrators were laymen, and only later did churchmen began to assume responsibility. Between 1775 and 1790, the best artists and craftsmen in Minas were hired to work on the church and its decoration.
The 12 prophets of the Courtyard of the Church of Bom Jesus form a beautiful grouping, set in the ample space in front of the sanctuary. The statues are almost life-size.
Each has its own characteristics, but is also an integral part of the group which is arranged in a harmonious composition.
Almost all of the figures were sculpted by Aleijadinho between 1800 and 1805 when his illness, from all indications, had reached a serious state. Some of the statues have anatomical deformities, which suggests that Aleijadinho's assistants played an important role in the work.
All have citations related to biblical prophecies, though not necessarily linked to a particular Bible verse. Two of the prophets also have at their feet figures associated with their lives: Daniel (lion) and Jonah (Whale).
N.B. The courtyard of the church was planned and initiated by the master mason, Tomaz de Maia Brito, fourth administrator of the sanctuary, in 1777.
The creation of the more than 60 wooden figures which comprise the Stations of the Cross took place between 1796 and 1799; the most important of the biblical figures were sculpted by Aleijadinho himself, already in failing health, while the less important ones were left to his assistants. The construction of the chapels which house the sculptures were done much later, continuing through the I 9th century as the financial conditions of the sanctuary permitted.
Six chapels were actually constructed; the Flagellation and the Crowning with Thorns are placed together in one chapel.
The images were painted and given glass eyes at later periods. The works are made of cedar in general, the sacred figures are painted in pastel tones, while the tormentors of Christ are depicted in strong colors.
Duration: approximately 5 hours
Departures: Tuesdays through Sundays at 9h00
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