Minas Gerais Ouro Preto – An inspiring destination

Find out everything about Minas Gerais Ouro Preto, see where it is, how to get there and learn about the culture and history of this charming destination.

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Minas Gerais Ouro Preto is certainly one of the most inspiring destinations in Brazil.

The stage for a broad work of art and culture, the region stands out for being one of the objects of study throughout the world. Since the city is part of the history of Brazil and baroque art, it has Aleijadinho's largest collection.

So, if you are looking for a place to expand your horizons, continue reading and discover everything about this enchanting destination. See what you will see throughout this text:

• Where is Ouro Preto;
• How to get to Ouro Preto;
• Culture of Ouro Preto;
• History of Ouro Preto;
• Curiosities about Minas Gerais Ouro Preto;
• Tourism in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto.

Where is Ouro Preto?

The city of Ouro Preto is located in the state of Minas Gerais, right in the central region.

In fact, the interior of Minas Gerais is home to the most important collections of art and architecture from the Colonial era in Brazil.

Thus, the houses and mountains take over the town's charm and one of the main monuments are the churches. Where, the altars are bathed in gold and the sacred images are in the Baroque and Rococo style.

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How to get to Ouro Preto?

The closest airport to Ouro Preto is in Belo Horizonte, the capital. From there, the journey continues via car or bus.

The trip by car takes approximately two hours and the best route is via BR – 356.

Leaving Rio de Janeiro, the route follows BR-040 and from São Paulo via BR-381 to Belo Horizonte – then the journey follows BR-356 to the small town of Ouro Preto.

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Culture of Ouro Preto

You may have already realized that Ouro Preto is a historic city, right?

So, don't arrive in the region without getting to know the culture and history of this peculiar place.

In fact, that’s exactly what we’ll see next!

First of all, let's say that Ouro Preto is part of the World Heritage Site – by the United Nations Educational Organization – since 1980.

And it's no surprise, after all, the municipality in the interior of Minas has the largest set of baroque architecture in the country. In addition to several churches sculpted by Aleijadinho and Ataíde.

Because it was the stage for the Inconfidência Mineira – Minas Gerais Ouro Preto became an object of study in Brazil and around the world – this is due to the big names in the struggles that were part of the revolt.

Since then, the old prison has been preserved and today serves as the “Museum of Inconfidência”.

In terms of culture, another point that deserves attention are the twenty historic churches from the 18th century with works of art in the Baroque and Rococo style, which have become the object of observation and study by art lovers from all over the world.

In addition, cultural festivals take place every year, such as the Winter and Mariana Festival of the Arts Forum.

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Ouro Preto History

Ouro Preto was founded by bandeirantes in 1711 and became one of the main areas of the gold cycle. On July 8 of the same year, the region was named Vila Rica de Albuquerque.

The economic heyday due to gold exploration took place from 1730 to 1765, a period in which the historic city was consolidated as an urban center.

In history, the highlight is Inconfidência Mineira Stage – the main protest movement against Portugal. Where the betrayal of one of the members made the Portuguese Crown discover the conspiracy in Vila Rica.

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Curiosities about Minas Gerais Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto was baptized by that name in May 1823

The city's first name was Vila Rica and the name Ouro Preto was baptized only in May 1823. According to legend, the name was chosen because some explorers found granite stones in the region's river.

Tiradentes' head disappeared and no one knew its whereabouts

Joaquim José da Silva Xavier was hanged and quartered in Rio de Janeiro because of his betrayal of the Portuguese crown. At the time, Tiradentes' head was displayed in the square and the intention was that it would decompose over time.

However, that's not exactly what happened! After the first day of exhibition, Tiradentes' head disappeared and to this day no one knows its whereabouts.

In the 18th century, Ouro Preto was the most developed village in the Colony

The period of the 18th century was when Ouro Preto experienced its population peak. The village turned into a small Metropolis and the white population jumped from 0 to 30 thousand in just half a century of existence.

On September 2, 1980, Ouro Preto was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The small city of Minas is a target of culture and a focus of study around the world. And it was on September 2, 1980, that Ouro Preto was declared by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Oratories were built on the streets because of residents' fears of hauntings.

Still in the 18th century, the population found itself haunted and the Catholic church ended up allowing the construction of oratories at home and on the street. So that residents could say their prayers more easily.

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Tourism in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto

Beautiful churches, Minas Gerais food, art and culture, this is the city of Ouro Preto Minas Gerais. In terms of ecotourism, the region also leaves nothing to be desired and there are beautiful viewpoints and trails to follow.

The 20 churches in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto

In fact, the part of tourism that deserves the most attention in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto are the 20 churches, which are actually a true Baroque Work of Art.

All churches have a special work of art to delight the eyes of tourists. However, in many cases it is not possible to photograph and an entry fee is charged.

Museums in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto

As we have already mentioned, the “Tiradentes region” is the scene of cultural movement. And there is nothing more delightful than visiting the city's museum and being dazzled by the history and culture of these people.

Gold mines

Even when talking about tourism in Ouro Preto, an important attraction is the old Vila Rica Gold Mines. To this day, tourists have the opportunity to visit the mines where the precious stones were taken.

Natural parks in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto

In Ouro Preto you will also find several natural parks to breathe the fresh air, relax and recharge your energy. Among them, the obligatory stop is at Itacolomi State Park and the Andorinhas Municipal Park.

Uaimii Forest

After your cultural visit to churches and museums, stop by the Uaimii Forest. The place is part of the District of São Bartolomeu and is the first natural reserve in the state of Minas Gerais.

The beautiful waterfalls and vegetation of the Atlantic Forest take over the Forest and access to the tourist attractions is via trail.

So, if you enjoy ecotourism, you will also enjoy the lands of Ouro Preto.

Waterfalls in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto

Finishing the itinerary on Tourism in Minas Gerais Ouro Preto, we cannot fail to mention the city's beautiful waterfalls. The most famous waterfalls are in Itacolomi State Park, Parque das Andorinhas and in the forest reserve.

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Conclusion

“Minas Gerais, whoever knows you will never forget” – it’s no wonder that this dialect has fallen into national popularity. After all, every little piece of the state has a unique beauty.

And, what can we say about Minas Gerais Ouro Preto then? One of the most cultural cities in our country and in the world. Stage of history, works of art and natural beauty.

If you want to get to know Ouro Preto, there are several new things to discover in the region. Don't forget to visit the museums, churches and the old mine.

In fact, one of the mandatory stops is also in the region's Parks and Forests. A little fresh air will help you recharge your energy.

Did you like this content? So, let's get to know another destination in Minas? Take advantage of the opportunity and read too “What to do in Monte Verde? All about Destiny”

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