What to do in Nova Lima

What to do in Nova Lima: Main Attractions and tips

Nova Lima is next to Belo Horizonte, and the proximity is such that many people confuse the cities.

Surrounded by mountains, with many cultural, natural and gastronomic attractions, Nova Lima is part of the itinerary Entre Trilhas, Flavors and Scents of the Circuito do Ouro. Here in this article we will talk about the main attractions, when to go, where to stay and some other travel tips.

Nova Lima's history is associated with mining. For more than 120 years, the British were in the region exploring for gold, and left behind many traditions that, today, are completely connected to the history and culture of the municipality.

Tourist Attractions in the City of Nova Lima

MAIN CHURCH OF NOSSA SENHORA DO PILAR

Nossa Senhora do Pilar Mother Church is dedicated to the patron saint of Nova Lima. Built in the 18th century, it is in the historic center of town, next to the Municipal Theater and close to other attractions. The entrance to the church is on the side and it is usually open.

Inside the Matriz, what calls attention are the altar, the sacristy and side altarpieces, two pulpits, the "cross arch", the baptistery, the choir balustrade, all by Aleijadinho. In fact, these are his works that are closest to Belo Horizonte. There is also the image of Nossa Senhora do Pilar and Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

ANGLICANA CHURCH

The Anglican Church, or Paróquia de São João Batista, is one of the legacies that the English left in Nova Lima. It was built in 1912 so that the English who worked in the Morro Vermelho Mine and their descendants could practice the Anglican cult.

All the material for the construction was imported from England. On the outside, pebbles from the river give texture to the whole structure. Inside, there is an English organ made of wood and metal pipes that was donated by the Saint John Del Rey Mining Company to commemorate the 100 years of English presence in the city. And it works!

Other details that draw attention are the stained glass window that portrays the birth, passion, and resurrection of Christ, and the Baptismal font, both donated by the English. The service is celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 am, and once a year there is a celebration in English to celebrate the memory of the English and the heritage they left in the city.

REGO DOS CARRAPATOS PARK

The Rego Dos Carrapatos Municipal Nature Park is very close to the Historic Centre and is a piece of Atlantic Forest and Cerrado in the middle of the city. There are various activities offered by the city council aimed at environmental education and physical and mental health. There are around 10 kilometres of trails that link up with other trails in the city, making it an excellent option for lovers of walking and nature.

The Rego Dos Carrapatos Municipal Natural Park is very close to the Historical Center and is a piece of the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado in the middle of the city. There are several activities offered by the City Hall aimed at environmental education and physical and mental health.

BICAME

The Bicame, an aqueduct, is outside the Rego Dos Carrapatos Park, but it is through it that the water reaches the canal. It is a wooden structure 30 meters long and 15 meters high, built in 1890 by the Saint John D'el Rey Mining Company.

The objective was to conduct the waters of Ribeirão do Carrapato to the Morro Vermelho Mine (today AngloGold Ashanti) to wash the gold ore. In 2002, it was chosen as the symbol of the city.

MUNICIPAL THEATER

The Municipal Theater of Nova Lima was built in the 1940s. Today, it is one of the show houses with great importance for the cultural scene in Minas Gerais. The project was designed by Rafaello Berti, an Italian who made it eclectic, with visible characteristics of the Art Deco period. The theater mainly receives orchestras. It is worth keeping an eye on the programming to be able to visit it from the inside. Outside of performance days, the visit needs to be booked for weekdays.

CASA GRANDE - ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI MEMORY CENTER

Casa Grande is the home of the Anglogold Ashanti Memorial Center. A collection open to the public that recovers and preserves the memory of the technological evolution of the gold mining process in the region since 1834, developed at the time by the British, up to the present day.

Casa Grande is an 18th century mansion in Portuguese colonial style, with large gardens. It was once the residence of the mine's owners and, later, of the superintendent. Today, the house is divided by themes in 19 environments, with objects and machines that were part of this history, from communication to health.

Other Locations Near the City of Nova Lima

ALTA VILA TOWER

The Alta Vila Tower is located in Nova Lima's Vila da Serra neighborhood, on the border with Belo Horizonte. The tower is 101 meters high, and 432 meters above the center of Belo Horizonte. With a privileged view visible from several points in the metropolitan region, the tower is one of the highest in Brazil.

At the top is the Topo do Mundo restaurant. There they serve dishes like Filet Mignon with gorgonzola sauce, Filet Risoto with mushrooms, Spaghetti with pomodorini and Codfish with vegetable souté, with prices that go from R$64,90 to R$90, on average. Prices that match the place. The finger food and drinks have more accessible prices.

CRAFT BEER CIRCUIT

Nova Lima is the second largest craft beer center in Brazil. It even has a quality seal for the city's breweries and a festival that lasts for weeks.

Most of the breweries of the Circuito Cervejeiro are located in the Jardim Canadá neighborhood, where (before the pandemic) there is also a lively Saturday beer fair with local brands. At the Four Elements Square, just follow the breweries to find out the dates. The Kud Brewery that we visited is in the square.

LAGOA DOS INGLESES

The Lagoa dos Ingleses is an artificial lagoon that was created in 1932 to store rainwater that would generate electricity for the old Morro Velho Mine.

Because it is so beautiful and surrounded by nature, the region has become a favorite area for water sports (wakeboar, stand-up, rowing, etc) and other types of events, as well as hiking and biking activities. In the surroundings, there is a good structure of restaurants, pet friendly day use hotel, sports courts, and even a shopping center, where the congress will be held.