The Francisco “Nhonhô” Fonseca Museum opened on June 5, 2003, in the building that previously housed Formiga’s former railway station. This offers a glimpse into the city’s history with a concrete historical connection: the former railway station.

Museum, Collection and Cultural Themes

The Francisco “Nhonhô” Fonseca Museum preserves old objects, photographs, works of art and documents that tell the story of Formiga. The collection brings together different types of historical evidence. Alongside its permanent exhibition, the museum presents themed exhibitions on traditions and typical festivals of Formiga and Brazil. The topics thus range from the city’s history to festival culture with local and Brazilian connections.

Affiliated with the museum, the Vagão Biblioteca offers classes for children and serves as an information point for visitors about Formiga’s main attractions. Its services therefore include both an educational function for children and tourist information.

A Historic Place of Remembrance

The Pelourinho in Formiga commemorates the last execution by hanging in Minas Gerais. It took place on October 12, 1842, in Formiga, on Rua do Sabão. The monument thus commemorates an event in the history of the state that took place at a specifically named location in Formiga.

Events and Getting Around

Municipal events are held at Parque Municipal Dr. Leopoldo Corrêa, known as Praia Popular, including music shows and sporting and cultural gatherings. If a particular gathering or event is the reason for your trip, check the dates in advance before setting your travel dates.

The modern bus station also provides a practical point of reference for planning your trip. It has bus connections on municipal routes to six municipalities, intermunicipal routes to 40 municipalities and interstate routes to eight cities. As route coverage may change, it is advisable to check the relevant connection and current timetable before travelling.

Formiga is part of the “Grutas e Mar de Minas” tourism circuit. If you plan to use this regional designation for your trip, check its current status before travelling.

Handicrafts and Culinary Products

The Centro de Atividades Artesanais in Formiga offers products made from woven textiles, wood, Arraiolo, metal and embroidery, as well as culinary products. The selection therefore covers several areas of handicraft alongside culinary products. Anyone interested in the variety of handicrafts will find different product categories in one place, with no single area accounting for the entire focus.

Minas Gerais in a Broader Context

Beyond Formiga, Minas Gerais offers a broader perspective for planning your trip. The state has 94 protected areas safeguarding almost two million hectares across the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Caatinga biomes. Tourism is established in 17 of Minas Gerais’s nature parks. These figures provide an overview of nature and tourism offerings across the state as a whole.

Minas Gerais is also home to cultural traditions: the craft of bell ringers and the artisanal production of Minas cheese are recognised as Brazilian cultural heritage. Across the state, travellers can experience culture and history, nature and gastronomy. In Formiga itself, the museum, historic place of remembrance, events and handicrafts offer different cultural points of interest.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pontevila, Manhuaçu, Córrego do Bom Jesus, Lagoa Formosa, Carmo de Minas, Ouro Preto, Padre Paraíso, Belo Vale.

For the main travel overview: Minas Gerais.