Barbacena

Barbacena: basilica of St. Joseph the Worker

Barbacena, city, southeastern Minas Gerais estado (state), Brazil. It is situated in the Serra da Mantiqueira Mountains, at 3,727 feet (1,136 metres) above sea level. The settlement was made the seat of a municipality in 1791 and elevated to city rank in 1840. It is now the trade and manufacturing centre for an agricultural region that raises corn (maize), feijão (beans), flowers, and various fruits and vegetables. The largest of Barbacena’s industries are two textile factories. Railroads and highways link the city to Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro (130 miles [210 km] south), Juiz de Fora, and neighbouring communities. It also has an airfield. Pop. (2010) 126,284.