Exploring Minas Gerais

Exploring Minas Gerais: A Journey Through Mines and Masterpieces

Our adventure begins in Minas Gerais, Brazil's mineral heartland, as we depart from Conselheiro Lafaiete (SNKF). Our first stop, just 3 miles away, is an iron ore mine boasting expansive steel facilities, a testament to the region's rich geological bounty. From there, we head to the city of Congonhas, home to the magnificent Sanctuary of Bom ******* de Matosinhos. This basilica is renowned for its grand outdoor stairway, adorned with compelling statues of Old Testament prophets. Inside, seven side chapels vividly depict the Stations of the Cross, each featuring a polychrome sculpture crafted by the celebrated artist Aleijadinho (b. 1730 or 1738 – 1814) and his assistants. These works are considered masterpieces, showcasing an original, moving, and expressive form of Baroque art. About 19 miles east, we'll get an aerial view of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Continuing north, we'll spot another mine before turning west to land at Fazenda Haras Rpc Airport (SJQT). Upon departure, we'll again fly over a mine as we head north, with even more mines appearing on our route to Belo Horizonte.

In the bustling capital city, we'll see the impressive stadium and another Church named after Saint Francis of Assisi. This particular church, whose construction began in 1766 and concluded in the late 19th century, features original architectural elements for its time in Brazil, such as circular bell towers and an oculus sealed by a relief. Its façade showcases a single entrance beneath a soapstone frontispiece with a relief of Saint Francis receiving the stigmata. The interior is a feast for the eyes, richly decorated with golden woodwork, statues, and paintings, while the wooden ceiling boasts a captivating painting by Manuel da Costa Ataíde. Another notable landmark in Belo Horizonte is the Casa do Baile, an architectural gem designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. This iconic structure is part of the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, a complex of buildings erected around Lake Pampulha in the 1940s. The Ensemble represents some of Niemeyer's earliest works, showcasing his distinctive modernist style, characterized by its curved forms. Inaugurated in 1943 as a popular restaurant and dance hall, the Casa do Baile, despite its brief initial role, reopened in 2002 as an architecture and design center. Its fluid curves, seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape, have cemented its status as an icon of modern Brazilian architecture, earning it protected status at municipal, state, and national levels.

We'll then land at Belo Horizonte Airport (SBBH). Our journey continues with more mines in view as we fly towards Conceição do Mato Dentro (SNKD). We'll spot yet another mine on our way to Serro (SNSO) and again on the route to Guanhães (SNGH).

Finally, we'll head northwest, reaching our day's destination: Diamantina (SNDT).

The flight is 307 miles long with 6 landings. We want to cruise at about 200 knots. I will be in the BlackSquare Starship, please fly what you like.

The flight plans are here.

There are no add-on sceneries available.  

Please set your simulator for a 3 pm local departure. We try real weather.

Multiplayer Particulars:

Date and time: Sunday, July 20, 2025. 1600 UTC

Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server.

These flights are events posted at DigitalThemePark and use DTP's Teamspeak Channel for communication.