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 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. 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.
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. 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
4. 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.
5. Parque Estadual do Itacolomi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Tue-Sun 8am-5pm
6. Centro Historico de Ouro Preto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,030 reviews
Reviewed By agusticassa - Girona, Spain
This pretty little town, about 140 kilometers from Belo Horizonte a world heritage site, has several examples of magnificent Baroque, cobbled streets, museums, and restaurants.
7. Mina Du Veloso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 771 reviews
Former underground gallery used for gold extraction in the 18th and 19th centuries, which has now been adapted for tourist visitation. The visits are guided and during the course are given information about the gold cycle, which shaped our country. Special emphasis is given to the African miners who did the work and were never reminded. We show the protagonism, the knowledge and origin of the Africans who were kidnapped for the works of the eighteenth century mining. At the reception there is art shop, crafts and jewelry shop, as well as toilets for visitors.
8. Represa do Custodio
9. Minas do Palacio Velho
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Historical-archaeological site of gold mining in the 18th century. Former mining complex located at the foot of the hillside of the Serra de Ouro Preto, orally known as mine of 'Encardideira' or 'Chico Rei'.
10. Trem da Vale – Ouro Preto e Mariana
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 928 reviews
The railway section connecting Ouro Preto to Mariana enchants visitors of Brazil and the world with its 18 km of history, culture, and natural beauties. On one side, the first village and capital of Minas - Mariana. On the other, a city that is a world heritage and attracts tourists from all over the world - Ouro Preto. The trip of approximately one hour is incredible through the almost unblemished beauties of the old gold route, the vegetation that varies between Mata Atlantica (Atlantic Forest) and Cerrado (tropical savanna) and, of course, through the baroque architecture of more than 300 years of history.
