OURO PRETO...
A Stroll Through 17th. Century...

To walk the streets of Ouro Preto is to take a stroll in time.
This charming little town enclaved by Serra do Espinhaçao mountains - State of Minas Gerais - has lots of History flowing under its bridge.

Its present name: Ouro Preto (Black Gold), as well as its former one: Vila Rica (Rich Town) says it all...Gold!
In fact, it became the focal point of gold and silver rush in the Americas till its exhaustion well into 19th. century.

In addition, it's the place where a group of intellectuals and professionals - called Inconfidencia Mineira - planned the first conspiracy to break away from Portuguese rule in 1790.

The movement was soon crushed and its leader - Tiradentes (Tooth Puller) - was executed and beheaded.
His head was paraded in the streets of Rio de Janeiro to discourage further attempts.

However, independence of Brazil inevitably came three decades later, in 1822.

The Imperial Cidade of Ouro Preto - as it was named in 1823 - was the capital of the State of Minas Gerais until 1897, when it was transferred to the current capital of Belo Horrizonte.

What you will love about this historic village are the steep and narrow streets that still conserve the original cobblestone pavement and the profusion of Baroque churches and religious architecture, not only here, but in the surrounding towns as well.
Actually, catch the O. P. steam train for a tour that connects the most important colonial towns - 18 km. raid.

Antonio Francisco Lisboa - Aleijadinho (Little Cripple) -is a celebrated sculptor that left several masterpieces, among others, Church of São Francisco de Assis and Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
The largest sculpture set by Aleijadinho is found in Congonhas do Campo: 64 statues made of cedar wood for the station of the cross and 12 prophets made of soap stone.

So your tour in the city should include...

• Aleijadinho's Museum
• Museu do Oratorio
• Church Our Lady of Pilar
• Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
• Church of Santa Efigenia
• Mineralogy Museum
• Opera House

And please do not miss the surrounding towns...

Mariana:

• Cathedral
• Sacred Art Museum
• Pillory

Sabara:

• Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
• Museum of the Gold
• Our Lady of Conception Church
• Church of Our Lady of Carmo
• Municipal Theater

Tiradentes:

• Father Toledo Museum
• Saint Anthony Church
• Saint Joseph Water Fountain

São João Del Rey:

• Main Church of Pilar
• Our Lady of Carmo
• Saint Francis of Assisi Church
• Sacred Art Museum

But your discovery of this historic mining town it should contemplate as well some of the old gold mines opened to public...

• Mina de Passagem
• Mina de Santa Rita
• Mina Velha
• Mina do Chico Reis

And a couple of caves...

• Rei do Mato Cave
• Maquine Cave

Time permitting, go to the Caraça National Park, a school functioned there since 1700s until 1968. Today has tourism infrastructure and comfort.

Ouro Preto is the first town in Brazil to be declared a Cultural Heritage Patrimony of Mankind by UNESCO.

Have a wonderful 17th. century walk!...

How to Get There:

By Plane:
You'll get to Belo Horizonte Airport (140 km. away)

By Road:
From Belo Horizonte: BR-040 and then the State Highway to town (90 km).
Distance from São Paulo: 745 km.
Distance from Rio de Janeiro: 417 km.

Where to Stay:

Grande Hotel de Ouro Preto LTDA:
Rua Sen Rocha Laqoa 164 - 31-3551-1488

Luxor Ouro Preto Pousada:
Praca Antonio Dias 10 - 31-3551-2244

Pousada Do Mondego:
Largo de Coimbra 38 - 31-3551-2040

Solar Nossa Senhora do Rosario:
Rua Getulio Vargas 270 - 31-3551-5200

Hostels:
A.J. Ouro Preto: Rua Costa Sena, 30 - +55 (31) 3551-6705

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