Guimarânia

Founded at the end of the 19th century, Guimarânia’s starting point was close to a crossroads located on the routes linking Patrocínio and Patos de Minas. It was there that the region’s citizens met to trade and converse. Francisco Pires de Camargos, a local, gifted land around the prominent Black Sierra of Boca da Mata, was also the village’s original name. In 1926 a chapel was built in homage to Nossa Senhora do Rosário, around which the rural school was founded. It is said that the brothers Francisco Pedro and Pedro Francisco Guimarães used to distribute material for the construction of homes, helping to expand settlement throughout the region. In 1938 the village was promoted to district status and went on to be named Guimarães, in homage to aforementioned brothers, before the area adopted its current name of Guimarânia, in 1943. The main attraction for this destination is its extensive cultural agenda. The religious festivals of São Sebastião and São Lázaro, the festivals of Nossa Senhora de Fátima, São Vicente and Nossa Senhora do Rosário, as well as the festival of Santa Luzia, all play big parts in attracting large numbers of tourists to the area. Among its other attractions are the Ana Guimarães Silva (or “Dona Anita”) Culture House, the Professor Anivaldo Nunes Municipal Library, the Matriz de São Sebastião Church, and the local historic farms. Travel Tips: The Borges Waterfall is on the border of Guimarânia and Patrocínio. Its cascade measures almost 21 metres in height and forms a well 6 metres deep, filled with crystalline waters. Despite its difficult access points, it is worth a visit.