The Congonhas City Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the captivating UNESCO World Heritage site of Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos. Highlighting the stunning Baroque architecture and Aleijadinho’s renowned Twelve Prophets sculptures, this half-day excursion from Belo Horizonte promises an immersive experience in the rich history and cultural treasures of Congonhas. With round-trip transportation and a professional guide, the tour ensures a seamless and comfortable journey. What awaits those who embark on this remarkable expedition?

Key Points

Congonhas City Tour - Key Points

  • Half-day tour exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos in Congonhas from Belo Horizonte.
  • Visit to admire Aleijadinho’s life-sized Twelve Prophets sculptures and Via Crucis, with a guided tour providing insights into the artist’s techniques.
  • Includes round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
  • Explore the ornate 18th-century Basilica do Sr Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, with its stunning interior and panoramic views of the landscape.
  • Limited accessibility, with comfortable clothing and walking shoes recommended for the tour.

Tour Overview

Congonhas City Tour - Tour Overview

Offering a half-day exploration of Congonhas from Belo Horizonte, this tour focuses on the city’s remarkable art and architecture.

The highlight is a visit to the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring Aleijadinho’s life-sized Twelve Prophets sculptures and the Via Crucis crafted in wood and soapstone.

The tour also includes round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

While lunch isn’t included, the itinerary allows for a midway stop.

Accessibility is limited, as the sites aren’t wheelchair-friendly, and infants must sit on laps.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this immersive cultural experience.

Tour Details

Congonhas City Tour - Tour Details

This tour boasts a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

Departures are offered twice, with round-trip transportation from Belo Horizonte hotels and a professional guide in an air-conditioned vehicle. Gratuities and souvenir photos are available for purchase, but lunch isn’t included.

The itinerary features a convenient hotel pickup, a visit to the Twelve Prophets sculptures, and the UNESCO-listed Basilica do Sr Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, with a lunch stop halfway through.

Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes infants on laps. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended.

Booking confirmation is guaranteed, and the tour isn’t available on certain holidays. Group sizes are capped at 99, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before start.

Itinerary

Congonhas City Tour - Itinerary

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from the traveler’s hotel in Belo Horizonte. The first stop on the itinerary is the breathtaking Twelve Prophets, Aleijadinho’s sculptural masterpieces. Next, the group will visit the Basilica do Sr Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, there will be a lunch stop midway through the tour. The day concludes with a return drop-off at the hotel in Belo Horizonte.

Itinerary
Pickup from hotel
Twelve Prophets
Basilica visit
Lunch stop
Return to hotel

Aleijadinho’s Sculptural Masterpieces

Congonhas City Tour - Aleijadinhos Sculptural Masterpieces

Aleijadinho’s masterful sculpting skills are on full display at the first stop on the Congonhas City Tour.

Visitors will marvel at the life-sized Twelve Prophets, considered his greatest work. These soapstone figures, carved between 1800 and 1805, depict Old Testament prophets with striking realism and emotion.

The tour showcases Aleijadinho’s genius and the cultural significance of his creations. Guests will have an hour to explore the details and meanings behind these remarkable sculptures, which have become iconic symbols of Brazil’s rich artistic heritage.

The guided tour provides valuable insights into Aleijadinho’s techniques and the enduring legacy of his extraordinary talent.

Basilica Do Sr Bom Jesus De Matosinhos

Congonhas City Tour - Basilica Do Sr Bom Jesus De Matosinhos

After marveling at Aleijadinho’s sculptural masterpieces, the tour next takes visitors to the Basilica do Sr Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This 18th-century church impresses with its:

  • Ornate façade featuring intricate carvings and sculptures
  • Stunning interior adorned with gold-plated altars and religious artwork
  • Expansive grounds that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape

Guests can explore the basilica’s rich history and architecture at their own pace, as admission is free and the visit lasts approximately one hour.

This stop provides a deeper appreciation for Congonhas’ cultural and religious significance.

Admission and Accessibility

Congonhas City Tour - Admission and Accessibility

Free admission grants access to both the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas and the Basilica do Sr Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, allowing visitors to explore these sites for up to an hour each.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended to ensure a smooth experience during the tour.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t available on certain holidays, and the price may vary depending on the group size.

The tour offers a great opportunity to witness the artistic and architectural wonders of Congonhas.

Booking Information

Congonhas City Tour - Booking Information

Confirmation of the tour booking is received upon reservation.

The tour isn’t available on specific dates, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Carnival season.

There’s a maximum of 99 travelers per tour, allowing for an intimate experience.

Guests have the flexibility to cancel their tour up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

The tour price varies based on group size, but a lowest price guarantee is available, making it an affordable option.

Booking the tour in advance is recommended to secure availability and the best price.

  • Tour not available on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Carnival season
  • Maximum of 99 travelers per tour
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start, with lowest price guarantee

Transportation and Guides

Congonhas City Tour - Transportation and Guides

The Congonhas City Tour provides round-trip transportation from Belo Horizonte hotels, ensuring a convenient start and end to the day’s activities.

A professional guide accompanies travelers throughout the tour, providing insights and historical context about the art and architecture featured.

The tour utilizes an air-conditioned vehicle, offering a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Gratuities for the guide and driver are optional, allowing guests to customize their spending as desired.

For those interested, souvenir photos can be purchased to capture memories of the day’s exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside the basilica, but visitors are asked to refrain from using flash to preserve the artwork. Guests should also respect the sanctity of the space and avoid disrupting any ongoing religious services.

Can We Visit the Local Markets During the Tour?

The tour does not include a visit to local markets. The focus is on the art and architecture of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas and the Basilica do Sr Bom Jesus de Matosinhos. Lunch is not provided during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Religious Sites?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should dress modestly when entering the religious sites. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and revealing attire are generally discouraged out of respect for the sacred nature of the buildings.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can speak with the tour operator to inquire about customizing the tour length and any associated costs. Extensions are subject to availability.

Are There Any Optional Activities or Side Trips Available?

The tour does not offer any optional activities or side trips, though visitors can explore the town further on their own after the guided portion. Additional fees are not available to extend the standard tour duration.

Recap

The Congonhas City Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the UNESCO-protected Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Matosinhos. Visitors can marvel at Aleijadinho’s striking sculptures and the ornate Basilica, immersed in the rich history and architecture of this captivating destination. With convenient round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to discover the artistic and cultural treasures of Congonhas.