Location: Ouro Preto
Top Things to do in Ouro Preto
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What to do and see in Ouro Preto, State of Minas Gerais (MG): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Ouro Preto is a former colonial mining town with beautifully preserved Baroque architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It earned recognition during Brazil's Golden Age as a center for gold mining and prosperity in the 18th century. Today it is a popular tourist destination.
Restaurants in Ouro Preto
1. Museum of Mineralogy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 862 reviews
One of the largest collections of rocks and minerals in the world, including diamonds, uranium, topaz, quartz, agates and much more, is housed inside the School of Mines.
Reviewed By nelsoncerqueira1 - Salvador, Brazil
There you go: my title already gives you the choice to visit or not this museum. If you are looking for polished final mineral items skip it. Now if you like the history of raw, brute minerals, you can’t miss this museum. A tremendous display of almost all minerals and precious stones from the region. Keep your eyes open for the rocks which contain gold and for all diverse formats of how the brute gold came out of them. A real surprise that if not displayed and seen it would be hard to believe, I could have taken them for steel and iron or or brute something. It’s a wonderful private lesson on minerals. Enjoy it!
2. Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Pilar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,388 reviews
This baroque style church is very lavish inside, reflecting a period in which religious orders competed with each other to build the richest church.
Reviewed By Inaie - Aguas de Lindoia, Brazil
History, art combined in a beautiful church. I recommend you get a good guide to see all there is to enjoy at this church. Optical Illusions and stunning historical religious artifacts are available to view. I totally recommend visiting it
3. Museu da Inconfidencia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,395 reviews
This museum of Brazilian history at Praca Tiradentes was at one time a prison.
Reviewed By marcosf293 - Brasilia, Brazil
Museum to think about the Brazilian colonial period, the dominant presence of the Portuguese crown during the gold cycle, and the reactions of sectors of society to the taxes that were charged. The museum discusses customs of the time, the evolution of constructions, artifacts used in mining, the lifestyle, and is dedicated to the thinkers of "Inconfidência Mineira". This movement was formed by representatives of the economic elite of the time, dissatisfied with taxes, who met and talked about libertarian ideals. The rupture with the crown did not happen, since they were denounced as conspirators. Joaquim Silvério dos Reis denounced them, he was a miner who had tax debts, and bargained his debt in exchange for the denunciation of libertarians. Then, after three years of investigation, ten libertarians were sentenced to death, but only one was actually executed: Joaquim José da Silva Xavier ("Tiradentes": the dentist). It is believed that Tiradentes was executed because he was not from a wealthy family, had no education (he was an amateur dentist, merchant, and lieutenants of the imperial cavalry), and also because he assumed his libertarian ideals in interrogations, so he was considered the leader. The rest were expelled to Africa, where they died, and their remains were repatriated in the 1940s. This place arouses many emotions.
4. Rua Conde de Bobadela
5. Praca Tiradentes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,469 reviews
Reviewed By ReillyPas - Los Angeles, United States
We enjoyed taking in the overall vibe here--everything from the statue of Tiradentes, to the historic buildings, the street vendors and musicians, and the wayward tourists struggling to get just the right selfie. Of course you have to spend a little time here when you visit Ouro Preto!
6. Oratory Museum (Museu Do Oratorio)
7. Church of Sao Francisco de Assis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,067 reviews
Reviewed By Inaie - Aguas de Lindoia, Brazil
one of the most impressive churches in Rio Preto- i fell in love with it s light, fun decoration. the style differs from the heavy gold ornated churches we visited before and it was a breath of fresh air
8. Museu de Ciencia e Tecnica da Escola de Minas/UFOP
9. Andorinhas Waterfall
10. Casa dos Contos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,096 reviews
Mon 2pm-6pm, Tue-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Reviewed By jo_ofredericom2016 - Campinas, Brazil
Casa dos Contos is where the crown's representative gathered taxes, melted gold, made coins housing the nobleman's family. It is well preseved and with very good information.
