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Church · São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras, MG
Mother Church of Saint Gonçalo
Main church of the district of São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras, in Serro, in the center of the village of colonial houses. Around it the settlement of miners and tropeiros on the Caminho dos Diamantes formed.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mother Church of Saint Gonçalo
The Igreja Matriz de São Gonçalo is the main church of São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras, a district of Serro in the Alto Jequitinhonha. The village arose with gold mining in the 18th century and, in the 19th century, became a stopping and trading point for the tropeiros who supplied the mining sites of the Diamantina and Serro region.
Local tradition says that two children found the image of São Gonçalo in a guava tree at the site where the church now stands, and that the image would always return there when they tried to take it to Milho Verde; for that reason a chapel was said to have been built there. The story has no documentary record, but it is still told in the village.
The matriz presides over the district square, with the colonial houses around it. The other church in the village is Nossa Senhora do Rosário, in front of which stands an old house connected to the memory of the fazendas from the time of the Arraial do Tijuco. Both host religious festivals that keep chants and traditions passed down between generations.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes, including the walk to the Igreja do Rosário.
Best time
On Sunday mornings and on the patron saint’s feast days, when there is more chance of finding the matriz open. On other days, ask in the square.
How to get there
It is in the center of São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras, on the main square; it is within walking distance from any guesthouse in the village.
Tip
Ask at the shops in the square when the church will be open. Combine the visit with a walk along the paved streets to the Rio das Pedras.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mother Church of Saint Gonçalo
What is the main church of São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras?
The Igreja Matriz de São Gonçalo, on the district’s central square. The village’s other church is Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
What is the legend of the Matriz de São Gonçalo?
Local tradition says the image of the saint was found in a guava tree at the site of the church and that it always returned there when they tried to take it to Milho Verde. The story has no documentary record.
Is the Matriz de São Gonçalo open?
It is usually open for masses and celebrations; outside those times it may be closed. Confirm locally.