Barbacena, city, southeasternMinas Geraisestado (state),Brazil. It is situated in the Serra daMantiqueira Mountains, at 3,727 feet (1,136 metres) abovesea 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 toBelo Horizonte,Rio de Janeiro (130 miles [210 km] south),Juiz de Fora, and neighbouringcommunities. It also has an airfield. Pop. (2010) 126,284.