Os registros do patrimônio geológico nas ruas e praças de Congonhas, Minas Gerais

Abstract

In Congonhas, Minas Gerais state, elements of the built geological heritage are present in squares and streets, which form the axis defined at its ends by the architectural complex of the Bom Jesus do Matosinhos Sanctuary and the Nossa Senhora da Conceição church. For the construction of this heritage, materials such as granite and steatite were used, outcropping in its surroundings. These materials were used both for the production of structural elements and for decorative parts. Other materials, taken from fluvial deposits and showing some reworking, were employed in the partial paving of some of its steep streets. Taking as a basis other historical sites of Minas Gerais state, we concluded that these squares are not the result of architectural design, such as those found in ancient villages and cities of Portuguese America. In this case, they have always had a role of strong religious overtones and are the last evidence of the ancient history of Congonhas.