Tourism

OURO PRETO

Founded in the early eighteenth century, Ouro Preto is a masterpiece of colonial Brazilian architecture and art.

A visit to Ouro Preto is a step back into history and past human accomplishments. The town has thirteen large churches and numerous public monuments and buildings. The most spectacular of the churches are Saint Francis, Our Lady of Carmo, Our Lady of the Rosary, Pilar and Antônio Dias.

Other important sites include the Casa dos Contos (the former minting house), the Inconfidência Museum (which documents Brazil’s earliest independence movement) and the world class Museu do Oratório (with its magnificent collection of sacred art, especially oratories).

In fact, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. Here the intricate details of the buildings and art works clearly reflect the originality and autonomy of the craftsmen and artists who created this monument of Brazilian baroque style. The painting of Manuel da Costa Athaíde and the sculptures of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho, are living examples of this period of enormous creative inspiration.

A grand synthesis of history and art. Cultural, popular and religious events are yet another reason for visiting Ouro Preto. The crafts fair in the Saint Francis Church square, the Winter Festival, the Easter Pageant and the Festival of Our Lady of the Rosary are among these special attractions. Last, but certainly not least, most local restaurants serve excellent meals based on regional culinary traditions which reflect their Brazilian, European and African origins.

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