Destinations - Ouro Preto and Other Historical Towns in Minas Gerais

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. 

Packages including Ouro Preto and other Historical Towns:

- Historical Brazil - 03 days

- Historical Brazil-  04 days

- Historical Brazil-  07 days

- Other Packages

Accommodation -TtThere are good hotels and pousadas in Ouro Preto.