Mangabeiras Neighborhood: One of the Best Places to Live in Belo Horizonte
- Horizonte Coliving
- Jun 12
- 9 min read
Imagine living in a place where the city meets the mountains, where the cool breeze from the hills flows through your windows and lush greenery is part of everyday life. That’s the setting you’ll find in the Mangabeiras neighborhood, the birthplace of Horizonte Coliving.
But before we explain why we chose this unique corner of Belo Horizonte to call home, let’s explore everything that makes Mangabeiras such a special place to stay.
🌱 A neighborhood that breathes nature and is part of BH’s history
Located in the South-Central region of Belo Horizonte, nestled between the Serra do Curral mountain range and the urban area, Mangabeiras is synonymous with tranquility, fresh air, and quality of life. With tree-lined streets, grand houses, and scenic overlooks stretching across the entire city, it’s a neighborhood that blends past and present in a unique way. However, many of the large homes that once defined Mangabeiras’ history are now underused or vacant, as modern families no longer require so much space, and the costs of maintaining such properties are high. This has created a vacuum that opens the door to new forms of use, though care must be taken to preserve the identity of Mangabeiras.
📜 From mining to art: a brief history
Mining origins
The name Mangabeiras is linked to the historical presence of mining in the Serra do Curral, which once supplied materials for construction and industry in Belo Horizonte. In the 1960s, land owned by the Ferrobel mining company was acquired by the city government and CODEURBE to create the neighborhood, transforming former mining pits and railway lines into streets and residential plots.
Founding and urban development
In 1966, the city of Belo Horizonte decreed the creation of Parque das Mangabeiras, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that Mangabeiras began to develop as an upscale residential neighborhood. CODEURBE (Urban Development Company of Belo Horizonte) received land from Ferrobel and implemented an urban plan focused on wide streets, green areas, and a road layout that respected the mountainous terrain of the Serra do Curral. The name “Mangabeiras” refers to the former Mangabeiras Creek, now canalized, but still part of the area’s environmental memory.
Recent environmental controversies
Even after being declared a protected natural and historical site, the Serra do Curral continues to face threats of mining exploration. In recent years, several environmental violations have been reported, including deforestation in protected areas, improper waste disposal, and activities conducted without proper environmental licenses.
These actions have led to shutdowns, fines, and widespread media coverage, sparking reactions from residents. The people of Belo Horizonte, alongside environmental movements and public institutions, have mobilized to defend this iconic symbol of the city. Preserving the Serra do Curral means protecting not only the landscape and biodiversity but also the city's quality of life and identity.
🏛️ An impressive architectural and cultural heritage
Mangabeiras is not only about nature—it also holds important buildings and institutions that tell part of the story of Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais.
Palácio das Mangabeiras: Designed by Oscar Niemeyer with gardens by Roberto Burle Marx, the Palácio das Mangabeiras served as the official residence of the governors of Minas Gerais until 2019. Today, part of it has been turned into the Parque do Palácio, but the building remains a symbol of an era when state politics revolved around the Serra do Curral.
Praça do Papa (Praça Israel Pinheiro): Known popularly as Praça do Papa, this square gained fame after Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1980. During a mass held there, he uttered a phrase that became part of local history: “You can look at the mountains behind and say beautiful horizon. You can look at the city ahead and say beautiful horizon. But above all, when you look at yourselves, one should say: What a beautiful horizon!”
Following this visit, the square was revitalized and received the Peace Monument, a 24-meter sculpture by Ricardo Carvão Levy. Today, it's one of the city's most iconic viewpoints, perfect for watching the sunset, enjoying a coconut water, and having outdoor gatherings with a breathtaking view.
Praça da Bandeira: Less famous than Praça do Papa, Praça da Bandeira has a more local and community vibe: benches, playgrounds, sports courts, and shady trees. It’s a cherished spot for residents who want to stay close to shops and services without losing the feel of nature.
Parque Municipal Juscelino Kubitschek (Praça JK): Located in the Sion neighborhood, Juscelino Kubitschek Municipal Park—commonly known as Praça JK—is one of the most traditional green spaces in South-Central Belo Horizonte. Founded in 1990 and opened in 1995, it covers approximately 28,000 m². Originally called Parque do Acaba Mundo, it was renamed in honor of former president Juscelino Kubitschek, celebrated for his modernist vision and the founding of Brasília. The park offers a variety of recreational options, including a soccer field, walking paths, gym equipment, children’s playgrounds, and seating areas with benches and tables. Its landscaping features ornamental and native trees that attract birds such as kiskadees, doves, and thrushes. Open 24 hours with free admission, it’s ideal for relaxing, exercising, and enjoying nature.
Parque Municipal Monsenhor Expedito D’Ávila (Parque Julien Rien): In the Anchieta neighborhood, Monsenhor Expedito D’Ávila Municipal Park spans about 14,000 m² and was inaugurated in 1978. It’s surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to wildlife such as marmosets and various bird species. The park includes a playground, skate park, fitness area, and an amphitheater. It’s perfect for physical activities and helps preserve local springs, contributing to the conservation of the Serra do Curral’s environment.
Avenida Bandeirantes Avenida Bandeirantes is the main service corridor of Mangabeiras, lined with bakeries, pharmacies, grocery stores, gyms, beauty salons, and small restaurants. It meets the daily needs of residents and visitors without requiring a trip down to Savassi or the city center.
🌿 Two parks that shape the landscape: Parque das Mangabeiras & Parque da Serra do Curral
Parque das Mangabeiras
Located at the foot of the Serra do Curral, Parque das Mangabeiras is Belo Horizonte’s largest green space, spanning approximately 2.5 million square meters. Created in 1966 and opened in 1982, it was designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and is a benchmark for environmental preservation and leisure in the city.
The park contains 59 springs that feed the Serra Stream, part of the São Francisco River Basin, and hosts rich biodiversity with over 160 bird species and 30 mammal species. Its vegetation includes areas of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, offering a unique nature-immersion experience.
Highlights include the Water Plaza, the Toy Carousel, extreme sports tracks, the Forest Viewpoint, the Cascatinha Nook, and Dream Lake. Facilities also include multi-sport courts, a skate park, and picnic areas.
Considered one of the largest urban parks in Latin America, Parque das Mangabeiras is a true natural treasure in the heart of Belo Horizonte.
Parque da Serra do Curral
Perched atop the famous ridgeline that gives its name to Belo Horizonte’s most iconic natural landmark, Parque da Serra do Curral is an environmental protection area preserving springs, rock formations, and the region’s rich biodiversity. The park’s trails are more rugged and ideal for those seeking direct contact with nature, silence, and contemplation. From its lookouts, one can enjoy one of the most panoramic views of the city, blending natural beauty with urban scenery.
As a listed cultural heritage site, the Serra do Curral faces constant threats from illegal mining and real estate speculation encroaching on this green area. Despite ongoing actions and inspections by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Minas Gerais and the Belo Horizonte City Hall, protecting the Serra remains a daily challenge essential to maintaining the city’s environmental and historical balance.
Parque da Serra do Curral is more than a natural refuge; it is a symbol of resistance and an invitation to rediscover the city through its geographic and cultural roots.
🔐 Safety and Tranquility
For newcomers, safety is a top priority. Mangabeiras ranks among the safest neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte, offering a peaceful and welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
The area is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets with low vehicle traffic, especially at night. Regular patrols by the Military Police help reinforce this sense of security, as does the presence of private security in some parts of the neighborhood.
Mangabeiras has a predominantly residential character, which contributes to its calm and protected atmosphere. It’s an ideal place for those who appreciate peaceful walks, outdoor activities, or simply living in an environment that inspires confidence.
This perceived safety attracts families, remote workers, students, and international guests seeking a comfortable and secure place to live or stay in Belo Horizonte.
⛰️ Mansions, Greenery, and a Pleasant Climate
Mangabeiras was designed as an upscale residential neighborhood. Here, you’ll find:
Imposing mansions built between the 1970s and 1990s, many designed by renowned architects. Today, these homes serve as private residences, company headquarters, art studios, and increasingly, colivings.
Wide, winding streets that follow the mountain’s contours, inviting leisurely walks and revealing natural lookouts at the top of each block.
Abundant greenery: streets lined with mature trees that provide shade and filter the air. Their canopies form green tunnels, softening the heat.
Scenic viewpoints:
Mirante das Mangabeiras: one of the city’s most photographed spots, offering nearly the entire Belo Horizonte skyline.
Mirante da Caixa d’Água: tucked behind the Guignard School of Art, it’s less well-known but provides a quieter setting and equally impressive views.
Mild climate: sitting at 1,000 to 1,400 meters above sea level, temperatures here are frequently 2–3°C cooler than downtown. Combined with the dense tree cover, this creates a comfortable microclimate and reduces energy consumption (for example, less air conditioning).
Walking through Mangabeiras, you breathe cleaner air, hear fewer honks, and feel as if you’re far from the city center even though it’s just a few kilometers away. This unique atmosphere must be experienced firsthand to be fully understood.
🎨 A Living Culture in Mangabeiras
Mangabeiras breathes a quieter yet ever-present cultural vibe. Far from the city’s main cultural hubs, the neighborhood nurtures an intimate creative scene that unfolds in discreet studios, in-home art workshops, and occasional events that make art a seamless extension of everyday life. It’s an environment where creation unfolds at a gentle pace but with real depth, as if the rhythm of the surrounding nature also guides how culture is produced and shared.
In this context, the Escola Guignard stands out as one of the greatest icons of Brazilian modern art. Founded in 1944 by Alberto da Veiga Guignard at the invitation of Juscelino Kubitschek, the school broke away from the academic norms of its time and introduced a free, innovative pedagogy that encouraged observing the real world and spontaneous expression. Now affiliated with UEMG, Guignard remains a national benchmark in art education, helping to keep Mangabeiras a place of aesthetic sensitivity and creative freedom.
Horizonte Coliving itself is part of this cultural fabric. The house hosts musical evenings, creative meetups, and immersive experiences that connect both residents and visitors to Belo Horizonte’s art scene. Whether spinning vinyl on the living-room turntable, attending an intimate music performance, or joining a hands-on workshop, Horizonte helps keep alive an atmosphere where art, nature, and community blend seamlessly.
🏡 A neighborhood needing renewal, with signs of change emerging cautiously
Mangabeiras was originally conceived as a neighborhood of large homes for extended families. Over time, family structures evolved: smaller households and different relationships with living space made many mansions impractical as strictly private residences. As a result, numerous homes went on the market or fell underused, and the area lost some of its traditional vibrancy.
However, this apparent slowdown has paved the way for new ways to live and work:
Colivings (like Horizonte) occupying mansions with private rooms, shared areas, and a strong sense of community
Art studios and creative offices converting large rooms into vibrant workspaces
Cafés, coworking spaces, and small restaurants revitalizing local commerce without compromising the neighborhood’s residential essence
This renewal is undertaken with care, respecting the original architecture and natural landscape. It’s not reckless real estate speculation but a thoughtful reinvention that brings life back to formerly empty spaces and highlights Mangabeiras’ best qualities.
✨ Horizonte Coliving: born in Mangabeiras with a unique lifestyle
Horizonte Coliving was born here, in the heart of Mangabeiras, because our project could not make sense anywhere else. We chose this neighborhood for all the reasons we’ve mentioned:
Nature all around (Parque das Mangabeiras, Parque da Serra do Curral, scenic viewpoints, trees, and fresh air)
Genuine safety (quiet streets, regular patrols, and a residential atmosphere)
Vibrant culture (Escola Guignard, art studios, and creative spaces)
Essential services within reach (Avenida Bandeirantes with bakeries, markets, pharmacies, etc.)
Easy access to Savassi, downtown BH, and main avenues, even while feeling just minutes away from a setting that seems like another city
Our home is a grand mansion with views of both the hills and the city, a cozy porch, a backyard with pomegranate and avocado trees, a turntable spinning vintage vinyl, a library full of books, and communal areas designed for conversations, communal dinners, movie nights, and even guitar circles. At Horizonte, living goes beyond a furnished room and a shared kitchen. It’s about building community, exchanging experiences, respecting spaces, and experiencing BH in a different way: with lightness, culture, and creativity.
👉 Ready to live this lifestyle?
If you’ve found yourself here searching for “Mangabeiras accommodation,” “coliving in Belo Horizonte,” or “room rentals in BH,” Horizonte Coliving is your perfect starting point. Here, you’ll find:
Cozy private rooms fully furnished
Shared spaces designed to foster connection (full kitchen, living room, coworking area, library)
A charming porch and backyard
Cultural and culinary events
A safe, tranquil setting with easy access to the best of Belo Horizonte
Mangabeiras is more than just an address: it’s a way of life. A place where urban and natural landscapes meet, where past and present blend, and where tranquility and creativity coexist. Horizonte Coliving was born to embrace all of this in a collaborative and welcoming environment.
Visit horizontecoliving.com and discover what it means to live well, live together, and live in Mangabeiras—the neighborhood that breathes nature and is constantly reinventing itself.
Comments