Historical, cultural and landscaped gardens rescue of Serro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The history of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is directly linked to the construction of roads by gold and diamonds explorers, known as the Royal Road. Studying the gardens built in cities located along this road, many with historical value, helps to understand and appreciate its history. So it is possible to connect the past to the present and add greater value to the cultural architectural ensemble in order to encourage tourism, promote and preserve the environment and, above all, value the history of the society through the gardens. The big question is how these public gardens were appropriate and modified by society over time. Thus, it has as object of study the gardens and landscape of Serro. The methodology consisted of inventive analysis, together with the subjective analysis and preservation of gardens and historical heritage. The study of the evolution of this area is based on the analysis of the morphological transformations in the landscape and in the squares during the development of the city. Serro was the seat of one of the four districts of Minas Gerais. The city still retains many features of the 18th century villas and is marked by the strong presence of the baroque features. The houses are arranged in an amphitheater on the slopes of the hills and the green is formed by the junction of backyards with fruit. The Largo da Cavalhada, was built in 1738. It was the place where the troops carrying goods by the highway stopped to rest. Initially wide accompanied the ground level paved with stones and, during the 20th century, became a public garden with new elements as gazebo, fountain and vegetation.