Sacramento and Conquista: the two small towns that open the caravan
Every trip has a beginning, and the beginning of our November expedition is in two small towns in Minas Gerais that hold big stories: Sacramento and Conquista. This is where the group is introduced to the Triângulo Mineiro, well before the crowds of Uberaba, and it is precisely this size of town that makes everything feel closer. We step off the coach, walk slowly, and history unfolds around us.
In this article, I describe what to see in each town and why these two stops prepare the heart for the rest of the trip.
Sacramento: the town of Eurípedes Barsanulfo
Sacramento is in the Triângulo Mineiro and is part of the Spiritist route because of one name: Eurípedes Barsanulfo, the educator who lived in the town between 1880 and 1918. If you do not know his story, it is worth starting with our article on who Eurípedes Barsanulfo was. The visit is much richer when you already know whom you are, so to speak, in conversation with.
And what makes Sacramento so special? Two stops.
Colégio Allan Kardec, still running today
On 31 January 1907, Eurípedes founded Colégio Allan Kardec in the town, referred to as the first Spiritist school in Brazil. What moves me is that it did not become a museum: the school is still running today, more than a century later, continuing the educational work he began.
The school's official website states that it receives caravans and visitors on Sundays, from 10am to 12pm, and group visits are scheduled in advance, as we do on our expedition. We tell the full story of the school in Colégio Allan Kardec: the history.
It is also there that one of the most talked-about encounters of the trip takes place, with a very special guest from Eurípedes's family.
Gruta dos Palhares, the largest sandstone cave in the Americas
The second stop in Sacramento comes from the earth, in the literal sense. Gruta dos Palhares is described as the largest sandstone cave in the Americas: about 22 metres of Botucatu sandstone in height, with about 450 metres already explored. It is a tourist landmark of the town.
One important point: the visit requires authorisation. It is not the kind of outing you can do on your own, which is why the caravan arranges everything: the authorisation and the access, so the group can enter with peace of mind.
Seeing an opening like this carved into the sandstone helps us understand why the town is so proud of it.
Conquista: a Little Corner of Italy in Minas
Nearby is Conquista, a town in the Uberaba microregion with about 7,000 inhabitants and an agricultural economy. Its nickname says it all: "A Little Corner of Italy in Minas", reflecting the heritage of the Italian families who settled the region.
But Conquista also holds an important chapter for those who travel this route: in the rural community of Santa Maria, the founding of the first rural Spiritist centre in Brazil is recorded, by the medium known as "Tio Sinhô" Mariano, work that was continued by Eurípedes Barsanulfo. As always, the mediumistic side belongs to Spiritist belief; the historical record is that of the founding of the centre, which is a central piece of local memory.
The mediumistic meeting that opens the trip
And it is in Conquista, on the second day of the expedition, that the group takes part in the mediumistic meeting with passes (a hands-on energy practice in Spiritism) in the community of Santa Maria. For many people, it is the first time at a session like this, so we prepare everyone beforehand, explaining the itinerary and what we have agreed.
Incidentally, if this is your case, it is worth reading How to behave in a Spiritist house before you set off.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Sacramento (MG)?
Visit Colégio Allan Kardec (founded in 1907, still running today and welcoming caravans) and Gruta dos Palhares, described as the largest sandstone cave in the Americas, about 22 metres high. The visit requires authorisation, which the caravan arranges.
Where is Conquista (MG)?
In the Uberaba microregion, in the Triângulo Mineiro, with about 7,000 inhabitants. Its nickname is "A Little Corner of Italy in Minas", because of Italian settlement.
Why is Conquista part of the Spiritist route?
Because in the rural community of Santa Maria the founding of the first rural Spiritist centre in Brazil was recorded, by the medium known as "Tio Sinhô" Mariano, with continuity from Eurípedes Barsanulfo.
Can anyone visit Gruta dos Palhares?
The visit requires authorisation. For that reason, it is done by appointment, and on the caravan we arrange everything for the group.
Start the trip with these two gems
Sacramento and Conquista are the calm and profound beginning of the expedition Novembro 2026: Minas e Caldas Novas. See the full itinerary on the expedition page and, if you would like to know more about this route of Spiritist towns, also read our guide to Spiritist cities of Brazil. Feeling inspired? Message us on WhatsApp.
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