Ouro Preto
From World travel guide
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.
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Understand
Ouro Preto, meaning "black gold" had its heyday in the early 18th century, and was the capital of Minas Gerais until 1897. Its churches are notable not just for their architecture but also for the carved sculptures of Aleijadinho, one of Brazil's most celebrated artists.
The town also holds a significant place in Brazilian history, being the site of the Inconfidéncia Mineira, the first attempted uprising in the cause of independence, in 1789.
Get in
By bus
Ouro Preto is about two hours by bus from Belo Horizonte. The rodoviária is on the northwestern edge of town.
Get around
By foot
The town's small size and steep hills make walking the most convenient way of getting around.
See
- Praça Tiradentes lies at the center of 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.
Churches
The preserved colonial churches are Ouro Preto's greatest attractions.
- Igreja da Nosso Senhora das Mercês e Misercordia, north of Praça Tiradentes.
- Igreja da Nosso Senhora do Carmo
- Igreja de São José
- Igreja de São Francisco de Assis
Eat
Drink
- Booze Bar Café, Rua Direita 42, 551-1482. Located just off the square, with live music.
Sleep
- Student Houses, The city has a big university and is full of students houses. They often rent a room with low prices for tourists.
- Hotel Pilão, Praca Tiradentes 51. Inexpensive, with several rooms facing the square.
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