Edifício Maletta

The Story

Built in 1961 on the Great Hotel's former location, Maletta quickly became Belo Horizonte's most culturally charged building and even had Minas Gerais's first escalator. During the military dictatorship, its bars and corridors, like the centennial Cantina do Lucas, were a refuge for artists, journalists, and students, welcoming names like Milton Nascimento and Wagner Tiso. During the day, the second floor is a labyrinth of record stores, bookstores, and second-hand shops selling vinyl, CDs, and rare books. There are 22 establishments in total, the largest concentration in the country. At night, the famous balcony transforms into one of the city's most democratic meeting points.

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