The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas is inscribed based primarily on the outstanding works of Baroque art it contains and how it represents a period in religious architecture in Latin America. The church and the stairway may also be reminiscent of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal. Highlights of the site are the 12 statues of the prophets and the 6 chapels that contain depictions of Christ’s passion. As previous reviews have already written about these, I will focus on the interior of the church and the Sala dos Milagres.

1. The interior of the church – the church was open at the time of my visit, although police officers curiously guarded its main doors. A crucifix is at the center of the high altar, which is beautifully decorated with gilded carvings and statuaries. Framed religious paintings showing some of the events in the life of Mary and Jesus adorn the walls of the church nave. At the anterior end of the nave there are two elaborate altarpieces containing rather small statues. The ceiling seems to be made of wood panels and is likewise boldly painted. 
2. Sala dos Milagres – the “Miracle Room” is a small museum on the left side of the church. It exhibits votive offerings (ex-votos) from devotees who wanted to express their gratitude for the blessings or answered prayers they have received (especially among the sick), though I also noticed prayer letters and offerings. This is quite a historically insightful museum, as it showed photos of people who have offered votives since the 18th century, illustrations of daily life at the time, and the evolution of votives in terms of its art—from drawings and small paintings to B&W and even digital photographs.

There is also the Museu do Congonhas located at the base of the site. I did not bother visiting the museum, although in retrospect I should have gone.

I agree with Christravelblog that the site is more unique than it is grand, and is worth visiting if you happen to find yourself in Belo Horizonte. Heaps of buses leave Belo Horizonte for Congonhas, although the bus station in Congonhas is about 3 km from the site. Renting a car is ideal as suggested by some of the reviewers, although taking public transportation has its advantages.