Congonhas City Tour

Congonhas City Tour offers a captivating exploration of Baroque architectural gems and renowned artistic masterpieces. Travelers can discover the UNESCO-listed Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos and marvel at Aleijadinho’s iconic Twelve Prophets sculptures. With a professional guide and comfortable transportation, this half-day excursion from Belo Horizonte promises an immersive cultural experience. Though lunch is not included, guests can indulge in authentic regional cuisine during a mid-tour dining stop. For those seeking to explore the rich heritage and artistic prowess of Congonhas, this tour presents a compelling opportunity.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Tours In Belo Horizonte.

About Your Stay

• This half-day excursion from Belo Horizonte explores the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and features Aleijadinho’s renowned Twelve Prophets sculptures.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Belo Horizonte hotels, a professional guide, and air-conditioning, with a midway lunch stop at a local restaurant.
• Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews, the tour focuses on art, architecture, and the rich cultural heritage of Congonhas.
• The Twelve Prophets sculptures by Aleijadinho, carved between 1800 and 1805, are a highlight, showcasing the artist’s technical prowess and talent.
• The Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features Baroque architecture and intricate 18th-century soapstone carvings, providing insight into the history and artistry of Congonhas.

Tour Overview

The Congonhas City Tour is a half-day excursion from Belo Horizonte that allows travelers to explore the art and architecture of Congonhas, including the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos and the 18th-century soapstone sculptures by the renowned artist Aleijadinho.

Highlights of the tour include Aleijadinho’s life-sized Twelve Prophets and the Via Crucis.

The tour is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, and departure options are available to fit various schedules.

Round-trip transportation from Belo Horizonte hotels is included, along with a professional guide, air-conditioning, and gratuities, though lunch isn’t provided.

Tour Details

The Congonhas City Tour offers departure options to suit travelers’ schedules, with a choice of pickup times from Belo Horizonte hotels.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 3 reviews, providing a reliable and enjoyable experience. Transportation is included via an air-conditioned vehicle, and gratuities are covered.

While lunch isn’t provided, souvenir photos are available for purchase. The tour isn’t operational on certain holidays, and it’s not wheelchair accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the group size can reach up to 99 travelers.

Lastly, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

Inclusions

The Congonhas City Tour includes a professional guide to lead the excursion, as well as round-trip transportation from Belo Horizonte hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Gratuities for the guide are also covered. Souvenir photos are available for purchase, though lunch isn’t included.

The tour focuses on the art and architecture of Congonhas, particularly the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos and the life-sized Twelve Prophets sculptures by Aleijadinho.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves some walking.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 99 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Belo Horizonte in the morning.

First, you’ll visit the Twelve Prophets, Aleijadinho’s life-sized soapstone sculptures.

Next, you’ll explore the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Midway through the tour, there will be a lunch stop.

Finally, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the afternoon.

The itinerary is designed to maximize your time and provide a comprehensive exploration of Congonhas’ renowned art and architecture.

Key highlights include:

1. Seeing the Twelve Prophets by renowned sculptor Aleijadinho
2. Visiting the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos
3. Enjoying a midday lunch break
4. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Belo Horizonte.

Twelve Prophets Sculptures

Among the highlights of the Congonhas City Tour is the awe-inspiring Twelve Prophets, a series of life-sized soapstone sculptures created by the renowned Brazilian artist Aleijadinho. These captivating figures, carved between 1800 and 1805, depict biblical prophets and are strategically positioned along the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Matosinhos. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and expressive poses of each sculpture, showcasing Aleijadinho’s remarkable talent and technical prowess.

Sculptor	Material	Location
Aleijadinho	Soapstone	Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Matosinhos
Aleijadinho	Soapstone	Congonhas, Brazil
Aleijadinho	Soapstone	1800-1805

The Twelve Prophets are a testament to Aleijadinho’s enduring legacy and a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of Congonhas.

Santuário Do Bom Jesus Do Matosinhos

Beyond the captivating Twelve Prophets sculptures, the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos stands as the centerpiece of the Congonhas City Tour.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its impressive 18th-century Baroque architecture and soapstone carvings.

Visitors can explore the church’s ornate interior, which features:

1. Intricate altarpieces
2. Detailed statues
3. Elaborate ceiling frescoes
4. Breathtaking views from the surrounding gardens

The Santuário’s stunning artistic and architectural elements provide a profound cultural experience, immersing guests in the rich history and artistry of Congonhas.

This iconic landmark is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the region’s deep-rooted heritage.

Lunch Stop

Midway through the tour, guests can expect a lunch stop at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity to refuel and experience authentic regional cuisine.

The meal isn’t included in the tour price, allowing guests to choose their own dining option that best suits their preferences and dietary needs.

After a morning of exploring the rich cultural heritage of Congonhas, the lunch break offers a chance to savor the flavors of the region and recharge before continuing the tour.

Whether it’s a traditional Brazilian dish or a lighter option, the lunch stop provides a welcome respite and chance to take in the local culinary experience.

Additional Information

The tour offers additional details and considerations for guests. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Importantly, the tour isn’t operational on certain holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and during Carnival season. The tour is also not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. The tour size is limited to a maximum of 99 travelers.

Guests can benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and the price varies by group size with a lowest price guarantee.

Some key details:

1. Not operational on major holidays
2. Not wheelchair accessible
3. Maximum group size of 99 travelers
4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

Questions About Your Stay

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for families with young children, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps. However, it provides a professional guide and air-conditioned transportation, making it potentially manageable for families with older children.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

The tour itinerary can be customized to visit specific sites, but this may incur additional costs. Travelers should consult with the tour operator to discuss their preferences and any potential modifications to the standard tour program.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour operator offers group discounts for 5 or more travelers. Larger groups can also request customized itineraries to focus on specific sites of interest. Prices are flexible and competitive based on group size.

What Are the Recommended Safety Precautions for the Tour?

The tour provides air-conditioned transportation and a professional guide. Comfortable clothing and proper walking shoes are recommended. Infants must sit on laps. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and certain holiday dates aren’t operational.

Can We Request a Guide Who Speaks a Specific Language?

Customers can request a guide who speaks a specific language, though availability may vary. Tour operators typically accommodate such requests if possible, providing a seamless experience for travelers from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Congonhas City Tour offers a captivating half-day excursion from Belo Horizonte. Travelers can enjoy the Baroque architecture and intricate artistry of this UNESCO World Heritage site, including the stunning Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos and the remarkable Twelve Prophets sculptures by Aleijadinho. While lunch isn’t provided, guests can enjoy a mid-tour dining stop to experience authentic regional cuisine, making it an enriching cultural journey.