Congonhas

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.[4]

This article is about Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. For Congonhas-São Paulo Airport, see Congonhas-São Paulo Airport. For Congonhas do Norte, Minas Gerais (South of Belo Horizonte), see Congonhas do Norte. For Congonhas, Santa Catarina, see Santa Catarina.
Congonhas
Municipality
Municipality of Congonhas
Flag of Congonhas
Flag
Official seal of Congonhas
Seal
Nickname(s): 

"Cidade dos Profetas"
Country Brazil
RegionSoutheast
State Minas Gerais
Founded17 December 1938
Government
 • MayorCláudio Antônio de Souza (MDB)
Area
 • Total304.064 km2 (117.400 sq mi)
Elevation
[1]
871 m (2,858 ft)
Population
 (2021)[2]
 • Total55,836
 • Density159.57/km2 (413.3/sq mi)
Demonymcongonhense
Time zoneUTC−3 (BRT)
Postal Code
36415-000 to 36419-999
HDI (2010)0.753 – high[3]
Websitewww.congonhas.mg.gov.br

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

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.[5][6] 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.[6] 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.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Ipatinga". Câmara Municipal de Ipatinga. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  2. "IBGE Congonhas". IBGE. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 8, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. IBGE 2020
  5. Palmerlee, Danny (2007-01-01). South America on a Shoestring. Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781741044430.
  6. "Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas". UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO. Retrieved 20 Mar 2021.


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