A colonial Brazilian town with Baroque churches and gold mines. Explore cobblestone streets, artisanal shops, and a vibrant arts scene in this UNESCO site.
Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the mountains of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is renowned for its colonial Baroque architecture and gold mining history. As you walk the steep streets, you'll see the Church of São Francisco de Assis with its curvilinear façade and the gold leaf-adorned interior of the Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Pilar. You can descend into former gold mines like Mina do Chico Rei, visit the Museu da Inconfidência in the former municipal palace, and savor pão de queijo in local restaurants.
Exploring Ouro Preto's Baroque Churches
As you navigate Ouro Preto's steep cobblestone streets, you'll encounter numerous Baroque churches that reflect the city's prosperous past. The Church of São Francisco de Assis has a curvilinear façade and elaborate soapstone carvings by the sculptor Aleijadinho. Inside the Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Pilar, you'll see over 400 kilograms of gold leaf decorating the interior. The Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo has an ornate façade and Portuguese azulejo tiles.
Visiting Ouro Preto's Museums
Ouro Preto's museums showcase the city's cultural and historical significance. At the Museu da Inconfidência, housed in the former municipal palace on Tiradentes Square, you'll learn about Brazil's 18th-century independence movement. The Museu do Oratório displays a collection of oratories and religious art from four centuries. For a look at the region's geological wealth, explore the Museum of Science and Technology at the Ouro Preto School of Mines, which has an extensive collection of minerals and gemstones.
Exploring Ouro Preto's Gold Mining History
To learn about Ouro Preto's mining past, you can tour former gold mines. The Mina do Chico Rei shows the harsh working conditions of enslaved miners and the techniques used to extract gold. At the Mina da Passagem, between Ouro Preto and Mariana, you can ride a trolley deep into the mountain and see the network of tunnels.
Tasting Mineiro Cuisine
After exploring Ouro Preto's cultural sites, you can try the hearty flavors of Minas Gerais cuisine. Local specialties include feijão tropeiro (a bean and pork dish), frango com quiabo (chicken with okra), and pão de queijo (cheese bread). For a cozy dining experience, visit Bené da Flauta, located in a historic building. The restaurant serves creative versions of traditional dishes and often has live music.
Practical Information
Ouro Preto is about 100 kilometers southeast of Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais. You can take a bus from Belo Horizonte or rent a car to explore the region. The dry season from April to September has less rainfall and mild temperatures, making it a good time to visit. Remember that the city's steep streets can be challenging to walk, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for uphill walks.
