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Description
The
old capital of Minas Gerais state, at the time named Vila Rica, Ouro Preto was founded in 1698 by the
Bandeirantes- explorers from São Paulo that entered the virgem
forests of the Southeast of Brazil. They were after gold, precious stones
and diamants, and found gold in Vila Rica, which became the biggest town
in Latin America at the time, with 40 thousand inhabitants.
In
the 18th century, started in the city the Inconfidencia Mineira, a
movement towards the Independency of Brazil from Portugal.
For
its importance for the Colonial history, architecture and art
with the works of Aleijadinho and Mestre Ataide, two of the main exponents
of the Barroquean Art, Ouro Preto is considered by Unesco a Cultural
Heritage of Humanity.
Other
towns such as Diamantina, São João del Rei, Congonhas do Campo,
Mariana and Tirandentes also have a big importance in the scene of colonial Brazil.
Activities
Visits
to the many sites of interest such as the church
São Francisco de Assis
- which is considered a master piece of the brazilan barroco. A walk
through the cobblestone's streets of Ouro Preto is a journey back in time.
The other towns have an equally important collection of churches,
monuments and works of art.
Accommodation
There
are good hotels and pousadas in Ouro Preto.
   
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