The garden city

Belo Horizonte was known as the Garden City when it was founded, due to the city’s large green spaces. Despite urban growth and development, our dear BH still preserves spots surrounded with nature, like true oases amidst concrete buildings. Many of these places are part of Circuito Liberdade. Check out our tips and enjoy resting your eyes and ears.

Praça da Liberdade

The Praça da Liberdade was built between 1895 and 1897 and it was conceived as the heart of the executive power at state level, housing the Palácio do Governo, that is, the state government’s main building, and its secretariats. It is one of the most iconic public spaces in Belo Horizonte, and an emblem of the city. In 1920, it undergoes its first remodeling inspired by the gardens of Versailles, due to a visit from the king of Belgium to Belo Horizonte; the style chosen then has been preserved to these days. It was listed as a historic site by the Instituto Estadual do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico de Minas Gerais, and it remains a favorite for both locals and tourists passing by the area.

Jardins do Palácio da Liberdade – Praça da Liberdade, unnumbered 

The Palácio da Liberdade is the former headquarters and a symbol of the state’s government, filled with history and culture. It was the stage of important national political events, and it is now open for visit. The gardens, originally influenced by British trends and designed by Paul Villon, are definitely a highlight, where you will see several species of flora, with a variety of trees, plants and a beautiful orchidarium. Click here to learn more about visits.

Parque Municipal – Avenida Afonso Pena, 1377 – Centro 

The Parque Municipal Américo Renné Giannetti is the oldest environmental heritage in Belo Horizonte, having been officially opened on September 26th, 1897, before the inauguration of the city itself. It has 182 thousand square meters, filled with a variety of plant species, and it is one of the most visited conservation areas in the city due to its location, natural beauty, historical monuments, fitness equipment and recreational activities.

Praça Raul Soares

Inspired by European squares, parks and gardens, it was named after Minas Gerais’ ex-governor, Raul Soares de Moura. Since it is located at the intersection of four important avenues, that is, Olegário Maciel, Augusto de Lima, Amazonas and Bias Fortes avenues, it is a round-shaped square, which highlights another architectural reference: the art deco style. It was listed as a historical site in 1988 by the Instituto Estadual do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico de Minas Gerais.