Here are 11 epic reasons why you should visit Ouro Preto at least once. Whether building design gets you in a spin or not, almost everyone will appreciate the spectacular architecture in Ouro Preto from charming colonial houses to impressive Baroque-style churches. Ouro Preto has a huge number of churches , many of which are intricately designed and heavily decorated with gold inside.
During the Gold Rush, the Portuguese would try to export a large portion of the gold back to the royal family and to Portugal, with the exception of gold used for religious monuments. The locals, not wanting to see their native gold leaving Brazil, constructed several churches embellished with gold as a way of keeping their riches in the country.
While Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are globally-known for carnival, everyone in Brazil knows Ouro Preto also has an unforgettable carnival. The food in Minas Gerais is the comfort food of Brazil. Known for its mountainous landscapes and incredible views, the Itacolomi National Park sits on the outskirts of Ouro Preto and is a popular destination for hikers who can enjoy a varied network of treks and dozens of waterfalls to visit.
Among the most challenging yet rewarding hikes is the Itacolomi peak, one of the highest points in the area. Although his work can be found all throughout the city, especially the churches, you can see a collection his sculptures in the Museum of Aleijadinho.
Ouro Preto is a great base point to explore other nearby attractions too. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". As years passed by, the gold mines were exhausted, and the town fell into oblivion.
What seemed a curse turned into a blessing: the lack of wealth prevented changes in the architecture, and all the richness of the buildings was preserved. More recently, the establishment of industries in the surrounding area, the growth of population and increase in traffic have threatened the harmony inherited from the past. A particular cause of concern is the street carnival of Ouro Preto, which attracts students from all over Brazil, who crowd the cities while playing loud music.
Most attractions close on Mondays. Some churches charge an admitance fee; some churches do not allow photos or filming.
There are many "tour guides" offering their services everywhere in town, but you should only hire people endorsed by the tourist offices. What used to be the city hall and jail - , built with neoclassiocal touches, is today a museum which holds the mortal remains of the twelve rebels, a collection of religious art and copies of Aleijadinho's works. Museu de Mineralogia and Escola de Minas. This building was erected in and served as the Governor's house until When the capital of the State was moved to Belo Horizonte, the building was turned into the School of Mining, and today houses the Musueum of Science and Technology and the Museum of Mineralogy.
The internal fountain was designed by Aleijadinho. Municipal Theater and Opera House. The Brazilian Gold Rush in the beginning of the 18th century, transformed Brazil and Portugal completely and directly leading to the formation of Ouro Preto in Over the next years tonnes would be extracted from the mines around Ouro Preto, guaranteeing prosperity of the colony, enriching Portugal and even helping to drive the industrial revolution in England as Portugal used gold collected as taxes from the colonists mainly to pay for industrialized goods textiles, weapons from England.
The rebellion was quickly squelched in its early stages and sadly Tiradentes was jailed then drawn and quartered with his head paraded around Ouro Preto. Many of his other conspirators were either exiled or killed. In when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal the Portuguese Royal Court was transferred to Brazil and shortly after the Portuguese state officially becoming the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves with the capital was transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro — the only example of a European country being ruled from one of its colonies!
The royal family returned to Portugal in but the seed was planted with the wave of independence sweeping Spanish colonies and Brazil proclaimed independence on September 7, without significant bloodshed! With the exhaustion of the gold mines in the 19th century, Ouro Preto influence quickly declined but many churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity and the exceptional talent of the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho — famed throughout Brazil even today!
The moving of the state capital to Belo Horizonte was the final blow and left Ouro Preto as a forgotten and isolated outpost, for the better part of the 19th and 20th centuries. Economic decline meant this city was largely untouched, preserving the original colonial constructions and unique urban design you can immerse yourself in today!
One of my favourite churches of all time and quietly tucked away below the main city so its rather easy to miss. Take the time to explore the crypt and enjoy the hidden treasures and exquisite details of the craftsmanship on display here No photos were allowed, but trust me — It is not to be missed! Today Ouro Preto is once again alive, re-born as a bustling tourist city and university town full of culture and traditions. Something is always happening on and as you saunter through its cobblestone streets you feel as if you are transported back in time.
Cafes and restaurants abound here as well as museums — there is plenty here to justify more than a day trip, and if you have a car the wider area provides plenty of significant sites to keep you occupied for a few days!
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