The bucolic landscape, with its churches, roofs and backyards at the foot of the imposing Serra do Caraça makes Santa Bárbara one of the most beautiful towns in Minas Gerais.

Despite the current increase in economic development, it is a peaceful and welcoming town with simple and hospitable people who preserve their traditions and live an active cultural life.

It was established as "Hamlet of St. Anthony of the Santa Bárbara River" on December 4, 1704, by the pioneer Antônio Pereira, of São Paulo, who found there alluvial gold and lodes of precious stones.

It was made in colonial baroque style, and was recently renovated highlighting the ship's ceiling painted by master Manoel da Costa Ataíde.

Besides these, the city also houses several subdistricts and rural communities: Sumidouro, Santana do Morro, Galego, Vigário da Vara, Cruz dos Peixotos, André do Mato Dentro, Barro Branco, Cachoeira de Florália, Mutuca and Costa Lacerda.