Liberdade Square |
The old capital of Minas Gerais, Vila Rica, actual Ouro Preto, symbolized too much
the Empire and the colony for the revolutionary residents in the Minas Gerais of the 19th century. Full of ideals, they dreamed with a
new seat which could translate the republican hopes, desire that came from the epoch of Inconfidência Mineira, which occurred a hundred years
before.
Many cities compete for the post of State capital, like Barbacena, Juiz de Fora and
Várzea do Marçal. In 1893, the governor of Minas Gerais, Afonso Pena, determined that the capital would be constructed in the region of Curral
Del'Rei. For choosing the right place, points like weather and land topography were considered, since it would have to stand works of basic
infrastructure.
The city was officially founded in 1897 and received, in the beginning, the name of
"Cidade de Minas", being governed by Bias Fortes. In the time of the inauguration of the new capital, many public buildings were being
built and several works were concluded only years later. The construction was totally planned, following the Project of engineer Aarão Reis, with
wide streets and avenues, well delimited blocks and a park. In the beginning of the 20th century, the city received the name of Belo
Horizonte.
Today, there are practically no historical buildings in the city, because most of
them had to be demolished to give space to the modern buildings. Among the destroyed buildings which are still remembered by its beauty and
historic importance is Matriz de Boa Viagem de Curral Del'Rei, definitely demolished in 1932 after suffering innumerous interventions that
completely disfigured the colonial architectonical style. Occupying the place of the old church, today there’s Catedral de Boa Viagem, in gothic
style. |
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