Belo Horizonte grew from a wooden chapel on this spot. Now this soaring, neo-Gothic church stands here and serves as the city’s spiritual base.
Now open 24 hours a day to welcome pilgrims from around the world, the Catedral Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem (Our Lady of Good Voyage Cathedral) is the spot where Belo Horizonte began. Visit this soaring marvel of neo-Gothic architecture at night to see it really shine as a rainbow of colored lights brilliantly illuminates the tall structure.
In 1709, a settler named Francisco Homem del Rey arrived in what is now Belo Horizonte, bearing with him a picture of Our Lady of Good Voyage, the Portuguese patroness of navigators. He built a wooden shack to shelter the icon. This modest church became a popular stop for travelers making their way from inner Brazil. The Catedral Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, as it stands today, was consecrated in 1923 following Belo Horizonte’s expansion as the regional capital. Notice how its dramatic spires and elaborate detailing pay tribute to the Gothic architecture of earlier centuries. Our Lady of Good Voyage remains the patron saint of the city.
Admire the beautifully detailed exterior of the church before heading inside. View the church from multiple perspectives and try to count the many Gothic spires contributing to its distinctive appearance.
Enter the cathedral and spend a few minutes roaming the interior and admiring its many lovely features. Gaze at the highly detailed stained-glass windows and ornate nave. Other interesting spots in and around the cathedral include the chapel of São Pedro Julião Eymard and the parish house, which is surrounded by peaceful grounds.
Visit the Catedral Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem in the late afternoon or evening. You might catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding party, with a gold-heeled bride emerging onto the steps to be showered in rose petals. Remember that fairly conservative clothing is usually expected in churches, so if you plan to go inside, make sure you are appropriately dressed.
