Memorial Monument of the National Independence Centennial, National independence centennial obelisk in Praça Sete de Setembro, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
The National Independence Centennial Monument, known as "Pirulito", is a granite obelisk in Praça Sete de Setembro, Belo Horizonte. It consists of a 7-metre needle resting on a square pedestal, with a post at each of the pedestal's corners. It was designed by architect Antônio Rego and built by engineer Antônio Gonçalves Gravatá, owner of the Betim quarry that supplied the stone.
The memorial was built to mark 100 years since Brazilian independence from Portuguese colonial rule, which began in 1822. Its construction commemorated a major turning point in Brazilian history and reflected the city's growing significance during that period.
The memorial acts as a gathering place where people come together for national holidays and public events throughout the year. The location allows visitors to feel connected to the country's path to independence.
The monument is located on a central plaza and is easily accessible by public transit, with multiple bus lines serving Praça Sete de Setembro. The site has open space around it and is straightforward to reach on foot from surrounding neighborhoods.
The obelisk is nicknamed "Pirulito" (lollipop) by Belo Horizonte residents, a reference to its slender needle on a square base. The granite came from a quarry in Betim owned by engineer Antônio Gonçalves Gravatá, who built the monument to Antônio Rego's design.
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