We visited the historic Congonhas, in Minas Gerais. Like other historic urban centers in Minas Gerais, the origin of Congonhas is closely linked to the discovery of gold mines in Minas Gerais. In the late 17th century, news of the existence of abundant gold in the region attracted adventurers and prospectors to the backlands. From then on, the most important mines began to be worked, which would give rise to the first cities in Minas Gerais, where the wealth obtained from gold and religious beliefs resulted in the construction of the current heritage. The town was originally built on two opposing hills, between which runs the Maranhão River, formerly the Congonhas River. Its streets - narrow and winding paths - were organized according to the most favorable topographical conditions, where the population built mansions and churches. In the early 18th century, the town was considered an important mining center, from which great fortunes were made. By the middle of that same century, Congonhas had become an important religious center. In the central area, which corresponds to the original nucleus of the old town, squares emerged next to the churches, such as the Praça da Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the Praça da Basílica do Senhor Bom Jesus de Matozinhos. The oldest of the churches is that of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, built at the beginning of the town's formation. When the gold mines began to run out, the consequences began to emerge: the town experienced a period of economic stagnation that was only relatively relieved once a year, in September, during the week of the Jubilee of Senhor Bom Jesus do Matozinhos, when thousands of pilgrims visited the town. The town turned its attention to iron ore mining and, in 1811, Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege came to Brazil to study the region's mineral wealth and, with local support, set up the country's first steel mill - the Usina Patriótica. Congonhas (formerly Congonhas do Campo) belonged to the town of Ouro Preto for a long time. It was only in 1938 that it was elevated to the status of a municipality, and in 1948 its name was simplified to Congonhas. In the second half of the 20th century, the exploration of iron ore renewed the local economy. Large mining companies placed Congonhas among the cities that collect the most taxes in the State of Minas Gerais (20th century and beginning of the 21st century). Despite the transformation process that occurred with its urban growth, resulting from the intense iron mining process, the Sanctuary remains intact and continues to be an icon of sacred art and religiosity in Brazil. _____________________________________________________________________ Hi, we are Carlos and Geisa and we have visited many places in our region. We love antiques, farms and old houses, historical settings, always willing to find what history has hidden! Come with us on another adventure!! Our social networks: Instagram: / lugardanossaregiao Facebook: / lugar-da-nossa-regi%c3%a3o-108258217626752 Our products (t-shirt and cap): / lojinhalnr