Santuario Do Caraca

Located in the municipalities of Catas Altas and Santa Bárbara, with 11,233 hectares, it is a property of the Brazilian Province of the Congregation of the Mission. Caraça – as it is commonly called – is a “center of spirituality and mission, culture and education, environmental conservation, leisure and tourism” (Action Plan for Caraça 2007 – 2012, p. 1). It is also:A Catholic institution, of the Vincentian family, with several social purposes, among them missionary and care for the poor;A family of educators – school/seminary – formed by the Priests, Brothers, former students, researchers and collaborators;A center for pilgrimage, culture, education, tourism and ecology;A Private Natural Heritage Reserve, component of the APA Sul da RMBH and the Biosphere Reserve;A center for environmental education and production of scientific knowledge, as a productive field of academic research;Cultural Heritage of Brazil, with listings at the federal, state and municipal levels;One of the 7 Wonders of Estrada Real;A multiple tourist enterprise (guesthouse, restaurant, snack bar, store and natural and cultural attractions) that generates direct employment for around 70 residents of the region in which it is located and that fosters an annual tourist flow greater than the combined populations of the two cities where it is located, thus marking the tourist identity of the region and conditioning a favorable environment for the emergence of other businesses and enterprises in the micro-regional tourism chain.It is, therefore, a complex structure, with multiple functions, roles and personalities that must be harmoniously integrated to form an efficient and qualified unit. In this context, 4 basic axes that constitute the entirety of Caraça stand out:Preservation, conservation and environmental education (RPPN, visitor center and trails)Education, culture, science (Architectural complex, museum and library).Vincentian Missionary Center for Spirituality, Religion and Pilgrimage (Sanctuary and Curate)Tourist Complex (inn, restaurant, store, snack bar, bar, itineraries and attractions);The Caraça Sanctuary Complex is the entire property of 11,233 hectares, where the Sanctuary Architectural Complex, the RPPN area (area of 10,187 ha) and parts identified by the owner as management areas are located. The Architectural Complex includes the neo-Gothic church, the old school building (now a museum and library) and the inn. The management area includes the Engenho Farm, the Buraco da Boiada and the Capivari Farm.