Praça Rui Barbosa, Public square in central Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Praça Rui Barbosa is a public square in central Belo Horizonte featuring a large sculptural arrangement around a central fountain. The space displays marble figures representing the four seasons, along with stone lions, tigers, and nymphs arranged in classical composition.
Construction began in 1904 when the site was designed with English-style gardens and used as a receiving point for building materials during the city's establishment. The Terra Mineira monument was added later by Italian sculptor Giulio Starace and completed in 1930.
The square is named after Rui Barbosa, a prominent Brazilian lawyer and statesman who shaped the nation's early republic. The monument with its bronze plaques serves as a visual record of Minas Gerais's important moments, allowing visitors to read the region's story through sculpture.
The entrance to Belo Horizonte Central Metro Station sits directly within the square, providing easy connection to the city's public transportation system. Its central location makes it a convenient hub for exploring other parts of the city.
An Arts and Crafts Museum occupies a neoclassical building within the square and stands as the only institution of its kind across Latin America. The museum showcases traditional craftsmanship and artistic techniques rooted in regional heritage.
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