Liberty Square (Praça da Liberdade) is the vibrant heart of Belo Horizonte. It’s also the nucleus of the Circuito Cultural Praça da Liberdade, a tourist circuit that includes 12 museums and cultural centers. Use the circuit to delve into the city’s history via state-of-the-art exhibits, discover its mining heritage and attend art, film and theatre events. Marvel at the architecturally impressive buildings that surround Liberty Square and stroll along wooded pathways.
This vast plaza is a major city crossroads and you’ll see everyone from local families to business people and tourists walking its cobblestone paths. Pause to appreciate the perfectly groomed gardens, admire the ornamental fountain, gaze up at tall palms and study statues. Watch the action unfold from a bench and purchase drinks and snacks from the food carts. Music groups often meet to rehearse at the bandstand.
You’ll need more than a day to visit all of the square’s attractions so plan your visit accordingly. On the west side, the Memorial Mina Gerais Vale takes you on a journey through four centuries of statewide history. The adjacent Museum of Mines and Metal looks into the importance of mining to Minas Gerais. Browse thousands of tomes at the Luiz de Bessa State Public Library.
Walk past the gates of the mighty Pálacio da Liberdade to the square’s east side. See the Niemeyer Building, a contemporary skyscraper notable for its modern, curvaceous design. It stands in contrast to the Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre, which is a venue for art and performing arts exhibitions set inside a neoclassical palace. More exhibitions take place at the House of Cultural Heritage of Minas Gerais.
The square sits at the meeting point of three important city avenues: Bias Fortes, Brasil and Cristóvão Colombo. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park. Public buses stop on nearby streets. The nearest metro stop is Central Station, which is 1.2 miles (2 kilometres to the north).
Opening hours of the attractions on Liberty Square vary. Ask at the square’s tourist information centre for more details or visit the official website of the Circuito Cultural Praça da Liberdade.
