Belo Horizonte - downtown - photo by Marcus Desimoni - Portal da copa
Panel designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyr for the Church of Saint Francis of Assis
Third most
important industrial pole in the country, Belo Horizonte is recognized for its
important personalities such as writers, musicians and politicians. In its
surrounding areas, you find the cities of Ouro Preto, Mariana, Congonhas do
Campo and Tiradentes, which hold stories from the cycle of gold and the baroque
influence in Brazilian art.
Ouro Preto hills
Detail of barroque art from Brazilian artist Aleijadinho
The city is also famous for its innumerous bars
where you can try a delicious local cachaça, the typical Brazilian drink, and
appreciate the tasty Minas Gerais food. As more than 8.000 producers of the liquor are established in the State of Minas Gerais, the cachaça tasting is one of the stars of the authentic itineraries that business travelers or international visitors can choose in the neighborhood of Belo Horizonte.
Cachaça production in a farm close to Belo Horizonte
Authentic Brazilian food at Chafariz Restaurant in Ouro Preto
The soccer
rivalry in the city is polarized between Cruzeiro, symbolized by a fox, and
Athletic, also known as “Galo.” The América Futebol Clube, a traditional sports
owner in the state of Minas Gerais, is the third force.
The Minas
Gerais fan is very passionate. The city is already breathing to preparation for
2014, and has a countdown clock to the beginning of the world cup in Liberty Square,
an important cultural pole of the city.
The temple
for the fervor of local fans is Governor Magalhães Pinto stadium, called the
Mineirão. A stage for big games since 1965, and with a capacity to house 64,000
fans, it could host six games during the World Cup.
Mineirão stadium
