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Ouro Preto is located in the State of Minas Gerais in the southeastern part of Brazil. Surrounded by the mountains, the entire undulating city痴 landscape is as beautiful as a painting. The city was designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site of UNESCO in 1980.
The history of Brazil can be compared to walking along the steep, winding slopes of Ouro Preto City. Baroque buildings lining the slopes, many churches interiorly decorated with sculptures by famous sculptors, such as Aleijadinho and Ataide, and paintings,
other valuable items exhibited in the museums and other buildings, show the long history of the city.
Main Attractions
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| Ouro Preto |
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Churches and Chapels
Churches made in baroque and rococo styles are all over Ouro Preto. They have splendid sculptures covered with gold and altars decorated with images and paintings done by the best artists of those days. The masterpieces done in particular by Antonio Francisco Lisboa, best-known as Aleijadinho, and Manuel de Ataide, a painter, are a must.
In addition, the Nossa Senhora do Pilar Church (Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Pilar), Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church (Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario), and the San Francisco de Assis Church (Igreja Sao Francisco de Assis) built in the 18th century also show the artistry of that time.
Historical Buildings
The colonial buildings in historical Ouro Preto are best appreciated while taking a leisurely walk. There are elegant old buildings everywhere. One of them is the oldest The Municipal Theater (Teatro Municipal) in the country which was established in 1770. It is still open today.
Furthermore, the remains of the Chico Rei Gold Mine are another important tourist spot. It was named after Chico Rei, the Crown Prince of an African country, who was brought here as a slave. |
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| Church |
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| San Francisco de Assis Church |
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Museums
To know the history of Ouro Preto, it is good to visit museums housed in a building from the 18th century. One of them is the Museum of Betrayal (Museu da Inconfidencia) which used to be the old city hall and was later used as a prison.
Other known sites are the Pilar Church (Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Pilar) where valuable works of religious art are exhibited; the School of Mines Museum of Science and Technology; (Museu de Ciencia e Tecnica da Escola de Minas); and the Government Palace (Palacio dos Governantes).
Gourmet
In a restaurant, you can enjoy a local dish such as chicken stewed in its own blood (Frango ao Molho Pardo) with okra and angu (paste of the manioc powder).
What痴 more, enjoy rich dishes such as Tutu (boiled bean paste), fried green vegetables, Torresmo (fried pork skin), and famous Minas home liquor, spread on your table.
Shopping
Handicrafts in this region include jars, ashtrays, plates, and cups made from soapstone (steatites).
Furthermore, gold and jewelry are also special products here. Noteworthy in particular is a rare imperial topaz which is extraordinary. There are good antique shops, too. |
| State: |
Minas Gerais |
| Nearest airport: |
Belo Horizonte City Airport (Aeroporto Internacional Tancredo Neves/Confins) |
| Tourist base: |
Belo Horizonte |
| Location: |
About 100 km from Belo Horizonte City, the state capital. |
| Access: |
About 100 km from Belo Horizonte City Airport (Aeroporto Internacional Tancredo Neves/Confins). |
| Climate: |
From October to February, it is summer with heavy rainfall. March to September is the dry season.
With an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level, air is fresh even in summer. It rains and fogs all year-round with the highest rainfall in December and January. You need to carry an umbrella with you during this time.
In winter, there are days when the temperature drops to 0 degrees.
Ouro Preto Ouro: Preto.com.br
http://www.ouropreto.com.br
Other information: Descubra Minas
http://www.descubraminas.com.br
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