Where It's Located
The Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple is located at Rua Professor José Vieira de Mendonça, 1485 in the Engenho Nogueira neighborhood of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The temple sits on a 6.03-acre site and serves members throughout the state of Minas Gerais. It is the first temple built in the state and stands in one of Brazil's largest metropolitan areas.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Belo Horizonte/Confins–Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF), which serves domestic and international flights. Travelers from the United States typically connect through major Brazilian hubs such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Brasília before arriving in Belo Horizonte. The temple is approximately a 30-minute drive from the airport, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the April 2021 General Conference. It became the first temple announced for the state of Minas Gerais, home to one of Brazil's largest populations of Latter-day Saints. At the time of the announcement, Brazil had more than 1.4 million Church members in over 2,100 congregations.
An official exterior rendering was released in September 2021, and groundbreaking took place on June 17, 2023, with Elder Juan A. Uceda presiding. Following construction, the temple welcomed visitors during a public open house from June 13 through June 27, 2026. The temple was dedicated on August 16, 2026, becoming the twelfth dedicated temple in Brazil.
Design and Architecture
The Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple contains approximately 28,686 square feet of floor space and features a single attached central tower with a distinctive pyramid-shaped roof. The exterior is clad in Brazilian Branco Ceará granite, giving the temple a bright and elegant appearance. The tower rises approximately 62 feet above the surrounding landscape. Inside are two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
The temple incorporates numerous design elements inspired by the culture and history of Minas Gerais. The art glass features shades of white, yellow, and blue based on traditional Portuguese tile patterns found throughout the region. Native Brazilian tauari wood is used extensively for cabinetry, pews, and architectural details, while original artwork created specifically for the temple reflects both gospel themes and regional heritage. Decorative lighting, custom brass hardware, and carefully crafted interior finishes further highlight the temple's distinctive character.
Final Thoughts
The Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple is a significant milestone for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Minas Gerais. As the state's first temple, it brings temple worship much closer to thousands of members while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region through its thoughtful design. Its beautiful architecture, meaningful symbolism, and central location make it a memorable destination for anyone visiting Latter-day Saint temples in Brazil.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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