Country Brazil State Minas Gerais Time zone UTC-3 (UTC-3) Local time Saturday 2:30 AM | Region Southeast Municipal incorporation December 27, 1938 Population 44,628 (2006) | |
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Weather 22°C, Wind E at 8 km/h, 83% Humidity University University of Itaúna, Lagoa da Prata | ||
Lagoa da Prata is a Brazilian municipality in the state of Minas Gerais. In 2006, its population was estimated to be 44,628. The city belongs to the mesoregion of Central Mineira and to the microregion of Bom Despacho.
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Map of Lagoa da Prata - State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Early history
In the 18th century, Lagoa da Prata ("Silverlake", in English) was a settlement which mined gold around the São Francisco River. It was established as a town in 1789. In 1896, Cel. Carlos Jose Bernardes Sobrinho founded the city. He originally called it "Pântano" ("Quagmire" in English), later changing it to "São Carlos do Pântano" ("The Quagmire of Saint Carlos" in English).
In December 1938, Lagaoa da Prata became established as a city.
Modern day
The downtown region of Lagoa da Prata is situated on hilly terrain, and at the end of the high road is a church which overlooks the city. Usina Luciânia was a residential neighbourhood situated approximately 6 km away from downtown, but nowadays it is an industrial site owned by Louis Dreyfus Group.
In 1968, a series of beaches were constructed on the border of the lagoon to attract tourists. Today, the beaches remain Lagoa da Prata's main tourist attraction. Other tourist attractions include the Lagô Pirô micareta, Ponte de Ferro ("Bridge of Iron" in English) which is a bridge that crosses the São Francisco River, a cachoeira da Cemiguinha ("The Cemiguinha Waterfall" in English) and a series of painted caves and grottos.
The bus station ("Rodoviária") is called Terminal Rodoviária Pedro Roberto Amorim after the mayor who commissioned its construction.
Etymology
In English, "Lagoa da Prata" means "Silver Lagoon", the name of the lagoon which the city is named after. It is called Silver Lagoon due to the silver sheen the clean water reflects when the sun shines on it. Its striking colour has led to priests and missionaries visiting the city.