Located in Minas Gerais state, this small Brazilian city is known for its 18th-century Basilica and the famous soapstone sculptures of the Twelve Prophets by Aleijadinho.
In Minas Gerais, Congonhas invites you to explore soapstone statues of biblical prophets at the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, a UNESCO site. Walk through chapels displaying detailed wooden carvings that depict scenes from Christ’s final days. Colonial-era churches and museums highlight the city’s 18th-century roots, and recent projects like releasing modified mosquitoes to fight dengue show its modern scientific focus. Situated 90 kilometers south of Belo Horizonte, the city maintains its colonial buildings alongside active mining operations. Visitors come to study both its art history and its role in testing new public health strategies.
Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
In Congonhas, the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos dominates the skyline with its baroque design finished in 1775. A grand staircase leads to a terrace where twelve soapstone prophets, carved by artist Antônio Francisco Lisboa (Aleijadinho), stand in dramatic poses. Experts consider these sculptures, with their detailed robes and intense facial expressions, some of the most important baroque works in the Americas. Inside the church, you’ll find an Italian-inspired altarpiece covered in gold leaf, creating a striking difference from the plain exterior walls. The Room of Miracles holds handwritten notes and small objects left by visitors over 250 years, documenting their prayers and gratitude.
Chapels of the Stations of the Cross
Six chapels near the sanctuary contain painted wooden scenes showing the final hours of Christ’s life, from his trial to his burial. Aleijadinho carved these figures with lifelike emotion, placing them in settings that mimic buildings and landscapes of the time. Many visitors walk through the chapels in order, following the same route pilgrims have used since the 1700s. The combination of sculpture and painted backgrounds makes each scene feel immediate, as if the events are unfolding around you. This area attracts both art scholars and those interested in religious history.
Mining History and Economic Influence
Congonhas developed in the 18th century as miners extracted iron, gold, and nickel from nearby hills. Profits from these operations funded the construction of churches and public buildings, mixing European design with local stone and labor. Mining still supports the local economy, though modern laws limit its impact on older neighborhoods. Around 48,000 people live here today, many working in tourism or maintaining historical sites. White-painted colonial houses and museums displaying old mining tools help tell the story of the city’s growth.
Dengue Prevention with Engineered Mosquitoes
Starting in 2023, Congonhas partnered with a biotech company to release mosquitoes modified to reduce dengue transmission. By mid-2024, inspections showed mosquito numbers dropped sharply in areas where these insects were introduced. Locals call the project Aedes do Bem and share details about it through posters and community meetings. Travelers can visit information centers to see how the program works and why scientists chose this method. The initiative reflects the city’s willingness to test unconventional solutions to health challenges.
Getting to Congonhas and Local Transport
Drive 90 kilometers south from Belo Horizonte on the main highway to reach Congonhas in about 90 minutes. Regular buses depart from Belo Horizonte’s bus terminal, taking closer to two hours due to stops. From Ouro Prêto, 75 kilometers east, private taxis or group tours provide the most direct routes. Once in the city, you can walk to most historical sites within 20 minutes. Taxis are easy to find for trips to mining areas or residential districts outside the center.
September Religious Festival
During September, the Festa do Senhor Bom Jesus fills Congonhas with street processions, folk music, and vendors selling Minas Gerais dishes like pão de queijo. The festival honors the sanctuary’s patron saint with nighttime candle processions and performances of biblical stories. Artisans set up stalls near the church to sell soapstone carvings made using techniques similar to Aleijadinho’s methods. The event ends with a large outdoor mass on the sanctuary’s terrace, where crowds gather below the prophets’ statues. Dates shift slightly each year based on religious calendars, so confirm schedules locally.
Preserving Art and Architecture
After UNESCO recognized the sanctuary in 1985, teams began restoring weathered soapstone statues and repairing faded paint in the chapels. Workers use traditional methods, like plant-based pigments, to maintain historical accuracy. A new research center near the sanctuary will open soon to teach stone-carving skills and archive Aleijadinho’s designs. Plans to limit construction around the site aim to protect views of the hills that frame the sanctuary. These efforts ensure the art and buildings remain intact for future visitors.
