Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto, in the state of Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial towns and a UNESCO world heritage site. Among other historical and colonial cities of Minas Gerais (Tiradentes, São João del Rei, Mariana and Diamantina), Ouro Preto is one of the most popular travel destinations in Brazil.

Ouro Preto, meaning "black gold", was founded in 1698 and quickly became the epicenter of a new gold rush, as the central place where gold was brought to be measured and sold. In 1720 the state capital transferred here from nearby Mariana, and by 1750 Ouro Preto's population had swelled to over 110,000, making it one of the largest cities in the Americas; at the time it had twice as many inhabitants as New York City and five times more than Rio de Janeiro. The city's success inspired the naming of many other cities and neighborhoods, including the founding of the American city of Brazil, Indiana.

As a result of the gold trade, the town, then known as Vila Rica, took a significant place in Brazilian history, being the site of the Inconfidência Mineira, the first attempted uprising in the cause of independence from Portuguese colonial rule. The revolt was led by Brazilian cultural hero Tiradentes in 1789 after he realized how much of the region's gold was going straight onto boats bound for Portugal. The revolt failed however, and after Tiradentes was tried and executed, he was dismembered and various body parts were displayed along the road between Ouro Preto and Rio de Janeiro to discourage his followers. His head was placed in what is now known as Praça Tiradentes, at the very center of town.

In 1822, Brazil finally gained its independence, and the following year Ouro Preto was given the title of "Imperial City" by Brazil's first emperor, Dom Pedro I. In 1839, South America's first pharmacy school was established here, and in 1876, Dom Pedro II founded the School of Minas, which was originally focused on mining and metallurgy but which has now become one of the country's premier engineering schools.

By the end of the 19th century, the gold had run out, growth had slowed to a halt. The population plummeted when the capital was moved to the newly founded Belo Horizonte in 1897. Lack of new construction provided for the preservation of the colonial architecture, and Ouro Preto was forgotten in time until Dictator Getúlio Vargas began having some sites restored in the 1950s. Since then it has gradually become more of a tourist destination as one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Brazil. It is particularly noted for its churches, which are special not only for their architecture but also for the carved sculptures by Aleijadinho, one of Brazil's most celebrated artists. Ouro Preto was the first Brazilian location to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980.

Before diving into Ouro Preto's history, the traveller must be aware that filming or taking picture inside museums and churches is not allowed.

• Itacolomi State Park, +55 31 8835-7260. Th-Su from 8AM to 5PM. Shared by the municipalities of Ouro Preto and Mariana is a park which contains very diverse flora and fauna with many hiking opportunities. The centerpiece of the park, Itacolomi Peak, is a pair of rocks, one huge and one much smaller, which can be seen from hilltops around town. Itacolomi means "the Rock and the Boy" in Tupi. For experienced hikers, it is possible to take a difficult 12 km trek through the park to visit the village of Lavras Novas and its nearby waterfalls. Visitors to the park must be accompanied by a guide, which can be arranged in advance by telephone.

  * Casa Bandeirista da Fazenda São José do Manso - This preserved colonial ranchhouse was the first public building in the state.

  * Museu do Chá (Tea Museum)

• Praça Tiradentes. The definitive center of the town. On the north side of the square is the Escolas de Minas (School of Mines), with a museum of mineralogy. On the south side is the Museu da Inconfidência.
• Teatro Municipal, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira. Daily from noon to 5:30PM. The oldest functioning theater in South America opened in 1770 and still has occasional evening concerts.

• Casa dos Contos, Rua São José, 12, +55 31 3551-1444. Once a home of the regional tax collector, this colonial baroque structure served as a jail for revolutionaries in the late 18th century.
• Museu da Inconfidência, Praça Tiradentes, 139, +55 31 3551-1121. This museum is dedicated to the memory of the Inconfidência Mineira, an unsuccessful 1789 revolt against Portuguese rule which was inspired by the American Revolution. The building, itself one of the best extant specimens of colonial baroque architecture, houses the remains of some the revolutionaries, a library and archives, as well as works by artists of the period, including works by Aleijadinho and Manuel da Costa Ataíde. R$2.
• Museu de Mineralogia, Praça Tiradentes, 20, +55 31 3559-1597, +55 31 3559-3119. This mineralogy museum has a quite varied collection of minerals from quartz to diamond to uranium, including many rare specimens. Children have free admission. R$5.
• Casa Guignard, Rua Conde de Bobadela, 110, +55 31 3551-5155. This museum has a collection of paintings by Alberto da Veiga Guignard, an influential painter who lived his last years in the town.
• Museu de Arte Sacra, Praça Monsenhor Castilho Barbosa, no number (in the basement of Igreja Nossa Senhora do Pilar, +55 31 3551-4736.
• Museu do Oratório, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira, no number (in the annex of Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo, +55 31 3551-5369. This charming museum has a large collection of over 300 elaborately decorated oratories, small portable prayer altars made for home or travel use. R$4.
• Museu Aleijadinho, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira, no number (on Praça Antonio Dias, in the sacristy of Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Many important works by Aleijadinho are elsewhere in the city, but this small museum has a few gems, including a strikingly life-like bust of Saint Francis of Paola. R$3 (students half-price).

Casa dos Contos, Rua São José, 12, +55 31 3551-1444. Once a home of the regional tax collector, this colonial baroque structure served as a jail for revolutionaries in the late 18th century.

Museu da Inconfidência, Praça Tiradentes, 139, +55 31 3551-1121. This museum is dedicated to the memory of the Inconfidência Mineira, an unsuccessful 1789 revolt against Portuguese rule which was inspired by the American Revolution. The building, itself one of the best extant specimens of colonial baroque architecture, houses the remains of some the revolutionaries, a library and archives, as well as works by artists of the period, including works by Aleijadinho and Manuel da Costa Ataíde. R$2.

Museu de Mineralogia, Praça Tiradentes, 20, +55 31 3559-1597, +55 31 3559-3119. This mineralogy museum has a quite varied collection of minerals from quartz to diamond to uranium, including many rare specimens. Children have free admission. R$5.

Casa Guignard, Rua Conde de Bobadela, 110, +55 31 3551-5155. This museum has a collection of paintings by Alberto da Veiga Guignard, an influential painter who lived his last years in the town.

Museu de Arte Sacra, Praça Monsenhor Castilho Barbosa, no number (in the basement of Igreja Nossa Senhora do Pilar, +55 31 3551-4736.

Museu do Oratório, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira, no number (in the annex of Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo, +55 31 3551-5369. This charming museum has a large collection of over 300 elaborately decorated oratories, small portable prayer altars made for home or travel use. R$4.

Museu Aleijadinho, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira, no number (on Praça Antonio Dias, in the sacristy of Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Many important works by Aleijadinho are elsewhere in the city, but this small museum has a few gems, including a strikingly life-like bust of Saint Francis of Paola. R$3 (students half-price).

• Capela do Padre Faria, Rua Padre Faria, no number. Built in 1710, this is one of the oldest buildings in the region.
• Igreja do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, Rua Alvarenga, no number - Cabeças. The beautiful entranceway was made by Aleijadinho, and many paintings inside are attributed to Manoel da Costa Ataíde.
• Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira, no number. This rococo-style church, built in 1766, holds the last works of Aleijadinho as well as the above-mentioned Oratory Museum.
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pilar, Praça Monsenhor Castilho Barbosa, no number, +55 31 3551-4735. Tu-Su 9AM-11AM and noon-5PM. The oldest church in the city was designed by one of Aleijadinho's mentors and completed in 1731 to replace the original main church. Despite the rather stark outward appearance, the interior glistens with almost 1000 pounds (450 kg) of gold and almost 900 pounds (400 kg) of silver. The basement of the church holds the Museum of Sacred Art. R$4..
• Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Largo do Rosário, no number, +55 31 3551-4736. Tu-Su noon-5PM.. Built in 1785 with slave labor. Slaves were forbidden to worship at any other church. The church has a unique shape, with a contour formed by three convergent ovals. Free.
• Igreja Santa Efigênia, Rua Santa Efigênia. This hilltop church, dedicated to an Ethiopian saint, was very popular with slaves and their descendants. It was supposedly built by Chico Rei and decorated with gold from the mine which bears his name. (See below)
• Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, Largo de Coimbra, no number, +55 31 3551-3282. This unique rococo-style church, built in 1776, is arguably Aleijadinho's greatest work.
• Igreja São Francisco de Paula, Rua Padre Rolim, no number. Tu-Su 9AM-11:15AM and 1:30PM-4:45PM. Completed in the 1898, this church took a whopping 94 years to complete. Inside are Aleijadinho's sculpture of the saint after which it is named, as well as a life-size sculpture of the Last Supper.
• Igreja de São José, Rua Teixeira Amaral, no number - Centro. This church, completed in 1811, was partially designed by Aleijadinho. It is being renovated.
• Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Rua Bernardo Vasconcelos/Praça Antônio Dias, no number (near Praça Tiradentes. Tu-Su 9AM-10:45AM and 12PM-4:45PM. This 1727 church is famous for its 8 lavishly decorated altars. The cemetery here has the grave of Aleijadinho, and the sacristy houses a museum dedicated to him.

Capela do Padre Faria, Rua Padre Faria, no number. Built in 1710, this is one of the oldest buildings in the region.

Igreja do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, Rua Alvarenga, no number - Cabeças. The beautiful entranceway was made by Aleijadinho, and many paintings inside are attributed to Manoel da Costa Ataíde.

Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira, no number. This rococo-style church, built in 1766, holds the last works of Aleijadinho as well as the above-mentioned Oratory Museum.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pilar, Praça Monsenhor Castilho Barbosa, no number, +55 31 3551-4735. Tu-Su 9AM-11AM and noon-5PM. The oldest church in the city was designed by one of Aleijadinho's mentors and completed in 1731 to replace the original main church. Despite the rather stark outward appearance, the interior glistens with almost 1000 pounds (450 kg) of gold and almost 900 pounds (400 kg) of silver. The basement of the church holds the Museum of Sacred Art. R$4..

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Largo do Rosário, no number, +55 31 3551-4736. Tu-Su noon-5PM.. Built in 1785 with slave labor. Slaves were forbidden to worship at any other church. The church has a unique shape, with a contour formed by three convergent ovals. Free.

Igreja Santa Efigênia, Rua Santa Efigênia. This hilltop church, dedicated to an Ethiopian saint, was very popular with slaves and their descendants. It was supposedly built by Chico Rei and decorated with gold from the mine which bears his name. (See below)

Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, Largo de Coimbra, no number, +55 31 3551-3282. This unique rococo-style church, built in 1776, is arguably Aleijadinho's greatest work.

Igreja São Francisco de Paula, Rua Padre Rolim, no number. Tu-Su 9AM-11:15AM and 1:30PM-4:45PM. Completed in the 1898, this church took a whopping 94 years to complete. Inside are Aleijadinho's sculpture of the saint after which it is named, as well as a life-size sculpture of the Last Supper.

Igreja de São José, Rua Teixeira Amaral, no number - Centro. This church, completed in 1811, was partially designed by Aleijadinho. It is being renovated.

Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Rua Bernardo Vasconcelos/Praça Antônio Dias, no number (near Praça Tiradentes. Tu-Su 9AM-10:45AM and 12PM-4:45PM. This 1727 church is famous for its 8 lavishly decorated altars. The cemetery here has the grave of Aleijadinho, and the sacristy houses a museum dedicated to him.

• Mina Chico Rei, Rua Dom Silvério 108 (up the hill from Matriz N.S. da Conceição, +55 31 3552-2866. 8AM-6PM. One of the largest and most-visited gold mines in the area, this mine was named for the legendary Chico Rei (see the infobox). Guided tours. R$10.
• Mina Fonte Meu Bem Querer, Rua Padre Faria (next to the Capela do Padre Faria. Daily from 8AM to 6PM. An interesting mine in which you can see petrified trees in the tunnel walls.
• Mina da Passagem. This is the world´s largest mine open to the public. In order to reach the mining galleries a small trolley is used and it is held by a steel cable. You descend for 315 m and the total depth reaches 120 m. The visit to the mine is accompanied by a guide (who normally does not speak English, so make sure you have someone who can translate for you). Apart from the grandiosity of the excavation, there is also a beautiful underground lake. If you plan to take pictures be aware that you will need a tripod and a lower shutter speed. Otherwise your pictures will be either blurred or totally blacked out. R$17. Tours can be arranged through:
  • OPM Empreendimentos Ltd, +55 31 3557-5001. Passagem de Mariana, (on the road to Mariana).
• Mina Velha, Rua Santa Rita 21. 8:30AM-5PM. Opened in 1704, this is oldest mine in town. This mine was dug by slaves and shows the contrast between hand dug mines and industrially dug mines (such as Mina da Passagem). Look for the veins of mica and ocher visible in the tunnel walls. The walking space is very limited and in certain locations can be claustrophobic for those who do not enjoy enclosed spaces. R$5.

Mina Chico Rei, Rua Dom Silvério 108 (up the hill from Matriz N.S. da Conceição, +55 31 3552-2866. 8AM-6PM. One of the largest and most-visited gold mines in the area, this mine was named for the legendary Chico Rei (see the infobox). Guided tours. R$10.

Mina Fonte Meu Bem Querer, Rua Padre Faria (next to the Capela do Padre Faria. Daily from 8AM to 6PM. An interesting mine in which you can see petrified trees in the tunnel walls.

Mina da Passagem. This is the world´s largest mine open to the public. In order to reach the mining galleries a small trolley is used and it is held by a steel cable. You descend for 315 m and the total depth reaches 120 m. The visit to the mine is accompanied by a guide (who normally does not speak English, so make sure you have someone who can translate for you). Apart from the grandiosity of the excavation, there is also a beautiful underground lake. If you plan to take pictures be aware that you will need a tripod and a lower shutter speed. Otherwise your pictures will be either blurred or totally blacked out. R$17. Tours can be arranged through:

• OPM Empreendimentos Ltd, +55 31 3557-5001. Passagem de Mariana, (on the road to [[Mariana]]).

Mina da Passagem. This is the world´s largest mine open to the public. In order to reach the mining galleries a small trolley is used and it is held by a steel cable. You descend for 315 m and the total depth reaches 120 m. The visit to the mine is accompanied by a guide (who normally does not speak English, so make sure you have someone who can translate for you). Apart from the grandiosity of the excavation, there is also a beautiful underground lake. If you plan to take pictures be aware that you will need a tripod and a lower shutter speed. Otherwise your pictures will be either blurred or totally blacked out. R$17. Tours can be arranged through:

• OPM Empreendimentos Ltd, +55 31 3557-5001. Passagem de Mariana, (on the road to [[Mariana]]).

Mina Velha, Rua Santa Rita 21. 8:30AM-5PM. Opened in 1704, this is oldest mine in town. This mine was dug by slaves and shows the contrast between hand dug mines and industrially dug mines (such as Mina da Passagem). Look for the veins of mica and ocher visible in the tunnel walls. The walking space is very limited and in certain locations can be claustrophobic for those who do not enjoy enclosed spaces. R$5.

Itacolomi State Park, +55 31 8835-7260. Th-Su from 8AM to 5PM. Shared by the municipalities of Ouro Preto and [[Mariana]] is a park which contains very diverse flora and fauna with many hiking opportunities. The centerpiece of the park, Itacolomi Peak, is a pair of rocks, one huge and one much smaller, which can be seen from hilltops around town. Itacolomi means "the Rock and the Boy" in Tupi. For experienced hikers, it is possible to take a difficult 12 km trek through the park to visit the village of Lavras Novas and its nearby waterfalls. Visitors to the park must be accompanied by a guide, which can be arranged in advance by telephone.

* Casa Bandeirista da Fazenda São José do Manso - This preserved colonial ranchhouse was the first public building in the state.

* Museu do Chá (Tea Museum)

Praça Tiradentes. The definitive center of the town. On the north side of the square is the Escolas de Minas (School of Mines), with a museum of mineralogy. On the south side is the Museu da Inconfidência.

Teatro Municipal, Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira. Daily from noon to 5:30PM. The oldest functioning theater in South America opened in 1770 and still has occasional evening concerts.

• Carnaval - Ouro Preto is increasingly popular during Carnaval, especially with college students. Although the city loses some of its tranquil historic charm, the steep streets preclude the raucous loudspeaker trucks found in other cities like Salvador, and people generally just party in the streets. Be sure to reserve accommodations in advance if you plan to visit during this time.
• Holy Week - Easter week brings lavish celebration to the streets around Matriz da N.S. da Conceicao, with intense floral decoration (Saturday night - you can help in the making of it) and interesting processions in the street.
• Winter Festival - An art festival with workshops and cultural events organized by the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (Federal University of Ouro Preto).

Carnaval - Ouro Preto is increasingly popular during Carnaval, especially with college students. Although the city loses some of its tranquil historic charm, the steep streets preclude the raucous loudspeaker trucks found in other cities like [[Salvador]], and people generally just party in the streets. Be sure to reserve accommodations in advance if you plan to visit during this time.

Holy Week - Easter week brings lavish celebration to the streets around Matriz da N.S. da Conceicao, with intense floral decoration (Saturday night - you can help in the making of it) and interesting processions in the street.

Winter Festival - An art festival with workshops and cultural events organized by the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (Federal University of Ouro Preto).

• Antiguidades Toledo, Rua Conselheiro Quintiliano 848 - Lajes, +55 31 3551-5915. Large selection of antique paintings, sculptures, furniture, and clocks.
• Casa das Pedras / Grupiara Pedras, Praça Tiradentes 95 and 124, +55 31 3551-1648. These two affiliated stores on the central square have a good selection of high-quality locally-produced jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious and semi-precious stones.
• Soapstone market - On the way down the hill east of Praca Tiradentes is an open-air market with fascinating local creations in soapstone and wood. A great place to find a souvenir.

Antiguidades Toledo, Rua Conselheiro Quintiliano 848 - Lajes, +55 31 3551-5915. Large selection of antique paintings, sculptures, furniture, and clocks.

Casa das Pedras / Grupiara Pedras, Praça Tiradentes 95 and 124, +55 31 3551-1648. These two affiliated stores on the central square have a good selection of high-quality locally-produced jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious and semi-precious stones.

Soapstone market - On the way down the hill east of Praca Tiradentes is an open-air market with fascinating local creations in soapstone and wood. A great place to find a souvenir.

• Café Geraes, Rua Conde de Bobadela 122 - Centro, +55 31 3551-5097. Sandwiches and a la carte dishes. Occasional live music.
• Casa do Ouvidor, Rua Conde de Bobadella 42, +55 31 3551-2141. Specializing in Minas Gerais state's regional cuisine, such as tutu a mineira, frango com quiabo or ora pro nóbis. Major credit and debit cards accepted.
• Consola's Pizzaria e Restaurante, Rua da Conceição 18 - Antônio Dias (next to Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, +55 31 3551-4175. Serving varied Brazilian fare as well as (Brazilian-style) pizza. W-Sa 4PM-midnight.
• Chalet dos Caldos, Rua Carlos Thomaz 33 - Centro, +55 31 3551-3992. Relaxed restaurant with a nice view of the city. Credit cards accepted. Tu-Su opens at 7PM.
• Máximus Colonial, Rua Direita, 151 - Centro, +55 31 9914-1209. An excellent budget restaurant which specializes in local food. Food is normally cooked in stone pans. R$16-20/person, cash only.
• Pizzaria O Passo, Rua São José 56 - Centro, +55 31 3552-5089. Pizza and a variety of pastas, seafood, salads, and desserts served in an 18th-century house. Well-stocked wine cellar.

Café Geraes, Rua Conde de Bobadela 122 - Centro, +55 31 3551-5097. Sandwiches and a la carte dishes. Occasional live music.

Casa do Ouvidor, Rua Conde de Bobadella 42, +55 31 3551-2141. Specializing in Minas Gerais state's regional cuisine, such as tutu a mineira, frango com quiabo or ora pro nóbis. Major credit and debit cards accepted.

Consola's Pizzaria e Restaurante, Rua da Conceição 18 - Antônio Dias (next to Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, +55 31 3551-4175. Serving varied Brazilian fare as well as (Brazilian-style) pizza. W-Sa 4PM-midnight.

Chalet dos Caldos, Rua Carlos Thomaz 33 - Centro, +55 31 3551-3992. Relaxed restaurant with a nice view of the city. Credit cards accepted. Tu-Su opens at 7PM.

Máximus Colonial, Rua Direita, 151 - Centro, +55 31 9914-1209. An excellent budget restaurant which specializes in local food. Food is normally cooked in stone pans. R$16-20/person, cash only.

Pizzaria O Passo, Rua São José 56 - Centro, +55 31 3552-5089. Pizza and a variety of pastas, seafood, salads, and desserts served in an 18th-century house. Well-stocked wine cellar.

• Booze Bar Café, Rua Direita 42, +55 31 3551-1482. Located just off the square, with live music.
• Satelite, Rua Cde Bobadela, 97 (on the way to placa Tiradentes on Rua Direita, +55 31 3551-4625, +55 31 3552-1941. 10AM til 3AM. One of the most popular bars in Ouro Preto. Friendly staff and a variety of reasonably priced food. Reasonable.

Booze Bar Café, Rua Direita 42, +55 31 3551-1482. Located just off the square, with live music.

Satelite, Rua Cde Bobadela, 97 (on the way to placa Tiradentes on Rua Direita, +55 31 3551-4625, +55 31 3552-1941. 10AM til 3AM. One of the most popular bars in Ouro Preto. Friendly staff and a variety of reasonably priced food. Reasonable.

• Raitai Lan House, Rua Paraná, 100 (Take Rua Condo de Bobadela west from Praca Tiradentes about 200 meters and follow it around to the left., +55 31 3551-5151. Gaming-centric internet café.

Raitai Lan House, Rua Paraná, 100 (Take Rua Condo de Bobadela west from Praca Tiradentes about 200 meters and follow it around to the left., +55 31 3551-5151. Gaming-centric internet café.

• Congonhas
• Mariana - The oldest city and first capital of the state, another charmingly well-preserved colonial baroque town is only 18km away.

  * Maria Fumaça - Construction of this railway, a part of the Trem do Vale began in 1883 when the gold was still flowing into the city, but by the time its run to the other terminus in Mariana was completed in 1914, the gold had run dry. Restored in 2006, the steam locomotive now provides a delightful way to take a daytrip to see Mariana's historic sights. Specially-designed panoramic passenger cars allow for beautiful views of the valley.

• Ouro Branco