Minas Gerais · Brazil
In the destination Historic Towns of Minas Gerais (Estrada Real).
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The city
Congonhas has a historic landscape defined by the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos (sanctuary). A visit brings you close to the art of Aleijadinho and the religious traditions of Minas Gerais.
4 places to stay in Congonhas.
3 places picked to eat.
What to know before you go.
Brazilian routes
From Ouro Preto to Paraty, the oldest route of the Estrada Real passes through historic towns, spa towns, and the Mantiqueira.
The local experience
Opened in 2015 at the foot of the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, it is dedicated to the sanctuary complex and the work of Aleijadinho. It brings together original pieces, replicas, ex-votos (votive offerings) and information on soapstone and the pilgrimage.
A circular building erected to house the pilgrims who came for the Jubileu do Bom Jesus (religious festival). Restored by the city in 1993, it became a cultural and events space with an inner courtyard.
Dating from 1734, it brings together different phases of the Baroque and has one of the largest naves in Minas Gerais, with richly decorated altars. The doorway is attributed to Aleijadinho.
Discover Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
A UNESCO-recognized complex where Aleijadinho carved in soapstone the twelve figures of the prophets that guard the basilica's churchyard. In the chapels along the path are the Stations of the Passion, in polychrome cedar.
Discover Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos e os Doze Profetas
