The obelisk, known as 'O Pirulito' (The Lollipop), is made of marble.
The square was the site of the city's first traffic light, installed in 1935.
It is considered the exact center point of the city's initial urban plan designed by Aarão Reis.
The obelisk was inaugurated on September 7, 1922, during the centennial celebrations of Brazil's independence.
During the 1963 relocation, the monument remained at Praça da Savassi for seventeen years before the city restored it to its original downtown location.
Praça Sete de Setembro, commonly known as Praça Sete or 'Pirulito da Praça Sete', serves as the central hub of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The square is defined by a central needle-shaped monument, an obelisk gifted by the neighboring municipality of Betim to celebrate the centennial of Brazil's independence in 1922. The monument was originally installed at the intersection of Afonso Pena and Amazonas avenues, although it was temporarily relocated to Praça da Savassi in 1963 before being returned to its original site in 1980. The square functions as the 'Point Zero' of the city's urban grid, marking the heart of the downtown commercial district. Surrounding the square are prominent historic buildings, including the Cine Brasil Vallourec, a classic example of Art Deco architecture. It remains a primary gathering space for public protests, cultural manifestations, and daily pedestrian traffic.
From the sidewalk near the Cine Brasil building for a wide angle capturing the obelisk against the historic backdrop.
Visit during the early morning on a weekday to see the square before the high-density downtown workforce arrives.
Keep a close watch on personal belongings as the area is highly congested with high foot traffic.
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Cine Brasil Vallourec to appreciate the restored Art Deco facade.
Avoid visiting late at night when the downtown commercial district becomes deserted and security conditions decrease.
