The history of Belo Horizonte (BH) is rich and complex, marked by significant events and transformations. The city was inaugurated on December 12, 1897, after a long process that involved the construction of a new capital for Minas Gerais. Originally known as "Cidade de Minas" and "Bello Horisonte," the city eventually settled on the name Belo Horizonte in 1901.

The construction of Belo Horizonte led to the destruction of the old Arraial de Curral del-Rei, founded in 1707, to make way for the new capital. The city's development was driven by a modern urban planning project that included the creation of large avenues, tree-lined streets, and planned neighborhoods.