One of my favorite places in Brazil is the ancient city of Ouro Preto (Black Gold). While cities like Rio boast of stunning beaches and modern art, Ouro Preto appears frozen in time, full of baroque architecture, sacred churches and cobbled streets. Here are 11 places you need to visit in Ouro Preto in 2022.
Igreja Sao Francisco de Asis
The Catholic Church of Igreja Sao Francisco de Asis is the first place you need to visit in Ouro Preto. The church is classified on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugese Origin in the World. Featuring a Rococo architecture, the church’s construction began in 1766 only to be completed 50 years later. Baroque sculptor and architect Antonio Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho designed the structure of the church, including the carved, intricate decorations of the interior. Just the ceiling alone, crafted by another painter and sculptor, Manoel da Costa Ataíde, took almost 10 years to complete!
Praca Tiradentes
Another place you need to visit in Ouro Preto is Praca Tiradentes. Praca Tiradentes is the heart of Ouro Preto. Located in the city center, the square is the hub that welcomes tourists and locals alike to the city. The center stands as a homage in honor of Joaquim Jose da Silva Xaivier, Tiradentes, a leading member of the colonial Brazilian revolutionary movement known as Inconfidencia Mineira. The square houses famous museums like Museu da Inconfidencia Mineira, Museu de Ciencia e Tecnologia e, the statue of Tiradentes.
Museu da Inconfidencia
Located in the heart of Praca Tiradentes is the Museu da Inconfidencia. This stunning museum is one of the few surviving examples of baroque architecture. The museum brings together another artistic labor of Ataíde and Aeijadinho. Its numerous archives tell the story of Brazil’s revolutionary movement and the paradox of slavery that underpinned Ouro Preto’s gold rush. As with all tourist attractions in Ouro Preto, I recommend carrying cash with you. A semi-professional photographer/videographer will be waiting at the exit to take a stunning drone photo/video of you staged in front of the museum!
Rua Direita
Also known as Rua Conde Bobadela, this is the most busy street in Ouro Preto! As you take a stroll down this charming street, you will see its corners replete with cafes, colorful homes, and artesnal jewlery stores. Stop by any foodshop to buy Canastra cheese, the cheese that won the best cheese in the world. This cheese is delicious paired with a typical Brazilian spread like doce de leite or goiabada. Once you have exhausted your adventure, take a break and visit the O Passo Pizza Jazz for the most delicious pizza and cocktails.
Teatro Municipal Casa Da Opera
Constructed in 1769, the Teatro Municipal Casa Da Opera is one of the most ancient theaters in Latin America. A journey through its inner courts truly feels like a walk in the past. With beautiful paintings and an interior full of culture and beauty, the theater remains well preserved and a center for performing arts today.
Feirinha de Pedra Sabao Do Largo de Coimbra
One of my favorite things to do in Ouro Preto is visit artisan fairs. In front of the Sao Francisco de Assis Church, there is a large fair with local handcrafted products. From gemstones to necklaces and crafted xicaras (cups), you see locals tapping their stonework and working away from their hearts. These will make excellent gifts to take home for your loved ones.
Basilica Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
Considered the richest church in Minas Gerais, the basilica’s interior stands decorated with 400 KG of gold and silver. Like other architectures in the region, it has a barroco style. The inside also houses the Museu da Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) full of religious works of the 18th century.
Casa Dos Contos
The Casa Dos Contos is a museum housing the governmental and and financial history of Ouro Preto. The museum is the historical ground where the crown’s representatives gathered taxes, melted gold and made coins. The exhibits cover various aspects of gold discovery, with a salve quarter’s area that reminds tourists of the link between the gold rush and forced slave labor in the region.
Mina Du Veloso
Tucked away on the edge of Ouro Preto is Mina Du Veloso. Tourists are able to get a guided tour of the gold mines used for gold extraction in the 17th and 18th centuries. Once again, a visit to Mina Du Veloso is a reminder of the slave history that was at the heart of Portuguese capitalist ventures in this ancient city.
Vila Relicario
Vila Relicario is a hotel, tucked on the hilltop of Ouro Preto. It offers breathtaking views of the ancient city overlooking the stunning mountains. When I visited, I happened to catch a wedding service on the hilltop and it was absolutely beautiful! Once you catch the sunset, head down from the hotel to Restaurante Bene de Faluta for a typical Mineiro food (food from Mina Gerais) consisting of feijoa tropeiro (beans, bacon, sausage, collard greens, eggs and manioc flour) and polenta (cornmeal)!
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