Sao Joao del Rei

Town · Minas Gerais, 🇧🇷 Brazil

Population 90,225

Area 1,457 km²

Time zone America/Sao_Paulo

Official website www.saojoaodelrei.mg.gov.br

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Featured Lists

Ricardo André Frantz / CC BY 3.0

São João del Rei Essentials

This collection highlights the colonial heritage of São João del Rei, a city known for its unique tradition of communicative bell-ringing. The selection features landmark Baroque and Rococo churches, including the Aleijadinho-designed Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. Visitors can explore the 19th-century Maria Fumaça steam train station, the final resting place of President Tancredo Neves, and preserved cobblestone streets like Rua Santo Antônio, which showcase the architectural evolution of Minas Gerais.

10 places

Ricardo André Frantz / CC BY 3.0

Historic Churches

São João del Rei's historic center preserves a dense collection of 18th-century religious architecture, representing the peak of the Brazilian gold cycle. This selection includes the Cathedral Basilica, featuring gold-laden woodcarvings, and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, a masterpiece of Rococo design. These sites showcase the work of prominent colonial artists and the distinct styles of different religious orders, from the ornate interiors of the Third Order of Mount Carmel to the historically significant churches built by local brotherhoods.

5 places

Federal University of São João del-Rei

Established in 1987, the Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ) is a major public institution in Minas Gerais. This collection highlights the Santo Antônio campus, which serves as the university's administrative and historical heart. The campus houses the central rectory, the main academic building, and specialized departments, all integrated into the urban landscape of this historic colonial city.

5 places

Nature & Parks

Explore the natural landscape of São João del-Rei, where the Serra de São José provides a backdrop for limestone caves and clear waterfalls. This collection features historical landmarks like Cachoeira do Bom Despacho on the Estrada Real alongside urban green spaces. From the traditional bandstands of colonial-era squares to the hiking trails leading to hidden cascades, these sites highlight the region's geological diversity and its preserved 18th-century urban planning.

10 places