Serra da Moeda: A Mountain Range with History and Adventure

Serra da Moeda, an imposing mountain range in Minas Gerais, stretches across eight municipalities, offering a diverse cultural and historical landscape. This area has been occupied for centuries and is rich with cultural resources and historical sites dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The name 'Moeda,' meaning coin, originates from an illegal mint that operated in São Caetano between 1729 and 1731.The mountain range has a rich history of gold, iron ore, and manganese mining. The abandoned ruins of the Brumadinho Fort offer glimpses into the gold mining industry of the 17th century. Today, Serra da Moeda attracts outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for paragliding and hang gliding, especially on weekends. Hiking trails wind through the landscape, offering breathtaking panoramic views of valleys and hills. The area is known for its diverse vegetation, including cedars, jequitibás, orchids and jacarandas.Beyond its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Serra da Moeda holds cultural significance. Communities descended from runaway slaves, known as quilombos, are scattered throughout the area, maintaining traditional harvest festivals and dance ceremonies. The mountains also serve as a backdrop for significant landmarks in neighboring municipalities, such as the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, a World Heritage site.While Serra da Moeda offers a blend of nature, adventure, and history, it faces threats from urban development and mining activities. Inclusion on the 2014 World Monuments Watch has helped advocate for sustainable mining practices to protect the area's heritage.