The carvings in the Matriz Nossa Senhora do Montserrat depict the local flora and follow European Neoclassical and Rococo models. They shape a style unique in Brazil. The history of the Matriz is closely linked to the origins of Baependi; the town is one of the oldest settlements in southern Minas Gerais. In 1952, the church was listed as a protected heritage site by IPHAN. In April 1998, the municipality also protected the Matriz, by Decree No. 372/1998.
Church Art and the History of Baependi
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição also tells the story of Baependi’s church history. It was rebuilt in 1942 on the site of the former chapel; Nhá Chica’s grave remained there. The church was consecrated on June 14, 1945. Another art-historical detail is the polychrome finish of an 18th-century image of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, attributed to Joaquim José Natividade.
In the municipality of Baependi, Black residents founded the Irmandade Nossa Senhora do Rosário in 1820; construction of the church began afterward. The Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário stands in the center of Praça Arthur Brasílio and is simple and spacious. It was listed as a protected heritage site by Decree No. 516/2003. The Igreja Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte, on Praça Argentino Rios, is associated with the Irmandade da Boa Morte, founded in 1832 by descendants of enslaved people. This church was also protected, by Decree No. 517/2003.
When choosing cultural highlights, there is a distinction: the Matriz foregrounds its carvings and the history of the town’s origins; the stories of the Irmandades draw attention to community and religious traditions.
Waterfalls and a Hike in the Surrounding Area
Nature destinations also offer different ways to plan a visit. Cachoeira do Moinho is eleven kilometers from the town of Baependi and is considered a place to swim and cool off. Check the current conditions at the site before visiting. A 14-kilometer circular hike to Cachoeira do Juju is offered in the surrounding area of Baependi. The waterfall is in the municipality of Baependi, has a drop of 130 meters, and features natural swimming pools.
The figures describe different things: eleven kilometers is the distance from the town to Cachoeira do Moinho; 14 kilometers is the length of the circular hike to Juju. Distance from a town and tour length answer different planning questions and should not be read as two hiking distances.
A Historic Excursion in the Municipality
The Usina do Ribeirão, also called Usina Velha, is located in the municipality. It was the first power plant serving the municipalities of Baependi and Caxambu and was inaugurated on June 22, 1911, using water from the Ribeirão de Furnas. An appointment had to be made in advance for a guided tour. Before traveling, check whether visits are currently possible and under what conditions.
Whether you focus on church art, the history of the brotherhoods, or nature destinations, the places mentioned represent different sides of Baependi and its municipality. When planning, take the respective distances into account and, for the Usina do Ribeirão, arrange an appointment for a guided tour.
Discover more destinations: Santa Bárbara, Santa Rita Do Sapucaí, Timóteo, Congonhas, Nova Serrana, Mercês De Água Limpa, Governador Valadares, Furnas.
For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.
