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"São Francisco de Assis church is the postcard of the city

São Francisco de Assis church was inaugurated in 1943. The architectural project of the church was elaborated by Oscar Niemayer and was the last building to be raised of the Pampulha architectural group. The construction presents a succession of parabolic vaults that start on the ground, giving a false impression of small interior space. Its  interior hosts Via Sacra, constituted by 14 panels of Cândido Portinari, considered his more significant work. With bold lines, it presents mosaics on the lateral of the subsequent facade, composed by a panel of tiles portraying scenes of San Francisco life, also by Portinari. The gardens are signed by Burle Marx. Alfredo Ceschiatti sculpted the bronze low-reliefs of the baptistery. The architecture and decoration shocked the ecclesiastical authorities which didn't allow, for many years, the consecration of the chapel. The church was abandoned for more than six years. Otacílio Negrão de Lima av., w/o number - Pampulha. 

Praça da Savassi (Savassi Square) - it is Praça Diogo de Vasconcelos (Diogo de Vasconcelos square) known as  Savassi Square, it is in Funcionários neighborhood, in an area that also started to be generally called Savassi. The name is related to a famous bakery, of the family Savassi, that existed at that place. In the 40's, it was a meeting point for politicians and for the high society. In the course of time, Savassi settled as sophisticated commercial center, changing, later, to the youth's point and of great concentration of bars and restaurants. 

Vale Verde (Green Valley) - Located in the municipal district of Betim,  Vale Verde Parque Ecológicoit (Green Valley Ecological Park) is a great option for who appreciates country tourism. The farm has also, a souvenir store, international kitchen restaurant , bar, a Museum of the Cachaça with a collection of 1.500 classified brands, orchid house, with 32.000 plants and approximately 1200 rare birds. In the weekends the children can have fun at the playground, accompanied by monitors. Other events that make success are the walks of carts and to listen to story tellers. The visitors can also get to know a real “bird maternity ”. Recently inaugurated , in the maternity it is possible to watch the evolution of a bird in a brooder, their treatment and the necessary cares. Address:  MG 050 - highway Km 39 VianópolisZ. Rural  

"There are beautiful squares here."  

Palácio da Liberdade (Freedom Palace) - it was built in 1898. The construction reflects the influence of the French style in the architecture of the capital, with refined details. The staircase of iron and metallic structures were imported from Belgium.  Gardens in rosal style stand out, by Paul Villon, Louis XV styled dining room, the paintings of the Noble Room, a tribute to the arts, and an Antônio Parreira's great panel. 

Mercado central (Central market) - inaugurated in 1929, it occupies a privileged area in the central area of the city. It is more than 400 stores, that sell everything, from vegetables of great quality, typical products as the cheeses and local candies, to the craft, herbs and medicinal roots. In the bars, a lot of people meet to appreciate the famous snacks with cold beer. Mixing tradition and memory with aspects of modern life, the Central Market is more than a great fair or a provisioning center : it is a casual space for social meeting. Adress:  Augusto de Lima Av., 744, Downtown 

Feira Tom jobim (Tom Jobim Fair)  - Since 1997 the Tom Jobim fair, a place  where one can buy saint sculptures, glosses, magazines, cups, old coins , postal cards, clocks, brooches and other things. Besides, the place is inviting for a beer and good tidbits in the several huts. Address:  Av. Bernardo Monteiro (among  Brazil av. and Otoni street) Funcionários area.   

Rua do Amendoim (Peanut Street) - Actually, the street is called Teacher Otávio Magalhães. It became known for an optics illusion. When the drivers turn off their cars, we have the sensation of seeing the vehicles go up the soft slope, instead of going down. Several folkloric explanations try to explain the phenomenon. One of them says that the cars are moved due to the high amount of existent iron ore in the place. The street is close to Serra do Curral (Corral Mountains), where there is extraction of the mineral. Another attraction that is close to Peanut Street is Praça do Papa (Pope's Square). Address: Teacher Otávio Magalhães Mangabeiras Street  

"Lagoa da Pampulha (Pampulha Pond) is a good place to go for a walk."  

Praça da Estação (Station Square) - it was through the old rail extension that the whole necessary material arrived for the construction of the new capital of Minas Gerais. In 1888, Belo Horizonte receives the first public clock of the city, at the top of the station tower. The construction of the square began in 1904 and, from that time, the two lions in marble, ordered to the Belgian artist Folini, stand out. With the fast growth of the city, the construction of a new rail station was necessary, inaugurated in 1922, in neoclassical style. In the square one also find Monumento da Terra Mineira, bronze statue that honors the heroes of Inconfidência. The building to the side, a rectangular construction, served as bedrooms and offices for the Federal Rail Net. In the station building , one can find the  rail model, a mini-railroad representation. 

Praça da Bandeira (Flag Square) - the square was inaugurated in 97 to commemorate the 100th year of the capital. Marco Cívico do Centenário (Centennial Civic Landmark. Every month, on the third Sunday, the National Flag changing cerimony happens, starting at 10 o'clock.   

Almenara - Morro do Cruzeiro (Cross Hill), close to the city, has a hand-gliding runway.  

Basílica de Nossa Senhora de Lourdes - Gothic architectural Style.  

Igreja Boa Viagem - Construction of style erect neogótico in 1932. 

Museum Ciências Nturais (Natural Sciences Museum)PUC-MG - it  is a mixture of science with tourism.  

Museu de Arte da Pampulha (MAP)(Pampulha Art Museum) - MAP stands out for its  aesthetic and technical variety. 

Museu de Artes e Ofícios (Arts and Occupations Museum) - Created to tell the work  history in Brazil. 

Museu de História Natural Jardim Botânico da UFMG (Natural History Museum Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Minas Gerais) - One of the largest green areas preserved in Belo horizonte, with wild fauna and Brazilian flora.  

Museu de Mineralogia (Mineralogy Museum) - Mineirals from all over the world are in exhibition in the museum, about three thousand pieces.  


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Tips by GUSTAVO VIVACQUA

1. The city nightlife is good. Savassi is the best place, in Café Cancún's proximities.  

2. There are really good caves near the city  that should worth the visit. Gruta Rei do Mato (King of the bush cave), Gruta de  Maquiné and Gruta da Lapinha

3. A paradise is close to the city.  And it's called Serra do Cipó (Liana Mountains). 

4. There is a  hang-gliding track In Almenara with a nive view. 

5. In BH (as the residents call the city), there is a strange slope, where you stop your car in an ascent, and it arises alone instead of going down. Strange, very strange... 

6. Don't forget to eat the local typical dishes. It is great! 

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