Congonhas
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Congonhas%2C_MG_%287768211972%29.jpg/220px-Congonhas%2C_MG_%287768211972%29.jpg)
Congonhas (Congonhas do Campo until 1948) is a historical Brazilian city located in the state of Minas Gerais. It is situated 90 kilometres (56 mi) south from Belo Horizonte, the capital of state of Minas Gerais, by the highway BR-040. As of 2020, the city had a population of 55,309.[1]
It is a well preserved historic city and retains the characteristics of a baroque city, with its churches, buildings and museums.
Other historical cities in Minas Gerais are Ouro Preto, São João del-Rei, Diamantina, Mariana, Tiradentes and Sabará.
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos[]
UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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![]() Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas | |
Location | Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
Criteria | Cultural: (i)(iv) |
Reference | 334 |
Inscription | 1985 (9th Session) |
Area | 2.19 ha (5.4 acres) |
Buffer zone | 8.77 ha (21.7 acres) |
Website | www |
Coordinates | 20°29′59″S 43°51′28″W / 20.49972°S 43.85778°WCoordinates: 20°29′59″S 43°51′28″W / 20.49972°S 43.85778°W |
![]() ![]() Location of Congonhas in Brazil |
The city is known for its basilica - the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, commissioned by Portuguese adventurer and miner Feliciano Mendes in 1757 and completed in 1775.[2][3] In the ramped forecourt of the basilica are twelve soapstone sculptures depicting Twelve Prophets, crafted by Aleijadinho, one of the best artists in the baroque style in the world.[3] The twelve sculptures of old testament prophets around the terrace are considered one of his finest works. Around the forecourt are six chapels with painted wooden scenes depicting the Stations of the Cross. In 1985 the Sanctuary was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its exemplary Baroque architecture and art.[3]
See also[]
- List of municipalities in Minas Gerais
- Twelve Prophets of Aleijadinho
References[]
- ^ IBGE 2020
- ^ Palmerlee, Danny (2007-01-01). South America on a Shoestring. Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781741044430.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c "Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas". UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO. Retrieved 20 Mar 2021.
External links[]
Media related to Congonhas (Minas Gerais) at Wikimedia Commons
Congonhas travel guide from Wikivoyage
- World Heritage profile
- Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas UNESCO property on google arts and culture
- Municipalities in Minas Gerais
- World Heritage Sites in Brazil
- Minas Gerais geography stubs