The sanctuary is built on a mountain peak composed primarily of itabirite, an iron-bearing metamorphic rock.
The Ermida (chapel) was built by a Portuguese hermit named Antônio da Silva Bracarena in the mid-1700s.
The site was officially declared the Sanctuary of the Patroness of Minas Gerais by the Vatican in 1958.
The Serra da Piedade mountain is part of the Serra do Espinhaço, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The sanctuary includes a high-tech observatory, the Observatório Astronômico da Serra da Piedade, managed by the Federal University of Minas Gerais.
The original chapel houses a famous image of Our Lady of Piedade attributed to the sculptor Aleijadinho.
The location provides a vantage point where visitors can see the cities of Belo Horizonte, Betim, and Contagem on clear days.
The Santuário Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Piedade is situated at an elevation of 1,746 meters atop the Serra da Piedade mountain in Caeté, Minas Gerais. It serves as the official sanctuary of the patron saint of the state of Minas Gerais. The site features a 18th-century chapel, the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, which is one of the oldest in the region. Visitors gain access to 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Espinhaço Range and the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte. The complex includes a modern basilica building designed to accommodate larger numbers of pilgrims. The sanctuary is recognized as a site of both significant religious importance and geological interest due to its location on a distinct mountain peak. It functions as a place of active pilgrimage throughout the year.
The observation deck near the main chapel overlooking the Minas Gerais mountain valleys.
Bring a windbreaker or layers, as temperatures drop significantly at the summit regardless of the season.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for navigating the steep, paved paths between buildings.
Carry plenty of water and sun protection, as there is minimal shade at the peak.
Check the weather forecast for cloud cover, which can obscure the panoramic views.
Attempting to visit during heavy rain or fog, as the visibility and road safety conditions decrease significantly.
Maintain a quiet tone in respect of those praying; modest dress is expected inside the chapel.
