'''Ouro Preto''', in the state of Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial towns and a UNESCO world heritage site. Among other historical and colonial cities of Minas Gerais (Tiradentes, Sao Joao del Rei, Mariana and Diamantina), Ouro Preto is one of the most popular travel destinations in Brazil.

Understand

Ouro Preto, meaning "black gold", was founded in 1698 and quickly became the epicenter of a new gold rush, as the central place where gold was brought to be measured and sold. In 1720 the state capital transferred here from nearby Mariana, and by 1750 Ouro Preto's population had swelled to over 110,000, making it one of the largest cities in the Americas; at the time it had twice as many inhabitants as New York City and five times more then Rio de Janeiro. The city's success inspired the naming of many other cities and neighborhoods, including the founding of the American city of Brazil, Indiana.

As a result of the gold trade, the town, then known as Vila Rica, took a significant place in Brazilian history, being the site of the '''''Inconfidencia Mineira''''', the first attempted uprising in the cause of independence from Portuguese colonial rule. The revolt was led by Brazilian cultural hero Tiradentes in 1789 after he realized how much of the region's gold was going straight onto boats bound for Portugal. The revolt failed however, and after Tiradentes was tried and executed, he was dismembered and various body parts were displayed along the road between Ouro Preto and Rio de Janeiro to discourage his followers. His head was placed in what is now known as Praca Tiradentes, at the very center of town.

In 1822, Brazil finally gained its independence, and the following year Ouro Preto was given the title of "Imperial City" by Brazil's first emperor, Dom Pedro I. In 1839, South America's first pharmacy school was established here, and in 1876, Dom Pedro II founded the '''School of Minas''', which was originally focused on mining and metallurgy but which has now become one of the country's premier engineering schools.

By the end of the 19th century, the gold had run out, growth had slowed to a halt. The population plummeted when the capital was moved to the newly founded Belo Horizonte in 1897. Lack of new construction provided for the preservation of the colonial architecture, and Ouro Preto was forgotten in time until Dictator Getulio Vargas began having some sites restored in the 1950s. Since then it has gradually become more of a tourist destination as one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Brazil. It is particularly noted for its churches, which are special not only for their architecture but also for the carved sculptures of '''Aleijadinho''', one of Brazil's most celebrated artists. Ouro Preto was the first Brazilian location to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980.

Get in

Ouro Preto is about 100 kilometers from Belo Horizonte, 400 km from Rio de Janeiro, and 680 kilometers from Sao Paulo.

By air

The nearest convenient airports are those of Belo Horizonte, especially that of '''Confins'''. From there, you must get to Ouro Preto by car or bus.

By car

  • Ouro Preto sits on '''BR-356''' about 120 kilometers southeast of Belo Horizonte and about 18 kilometers west of Mariana.
  • Drivers coming from Juiz de Fora and Rio de Janeiro in the south should take '''BR-040''' to Conselheiro Lafaiete, take the '''Ouro Branco Highway''' and once in Ouro Branco transfer to state highway '''MG-443''' for the last 12 or so kilometers to Ouro Preto.
  • By bus

    Buses arrive at the ''rodoviaria'' on the northwestern edge of town. It is an easy downhill walk into the historic center.
  • From Belo Horizonte, by '''Passaro Verde''' [http://www.passaroverde.com.br], tel. ''31'' 3201-2687, 2h. 16 departures daily.
  • From Sao Paulo, by '''Util''' [http://www.util.com.br/index.php], 2 departures daily at 6:45 am and 11:59 pm, R$94.
  • From Rio de Janeiro, by '''Util''' [http://www.util.com.br/index.php], tel. ''21'' 2253-3884. 7h. One departure daily at 10 pm, R$64-100.
  • From Vitoria, by '''Sao Geraldo''' [http://www.saogeraldo.com.br], tel. ''27'' 3223-0407 or by '''Itapemirim''', tel. ''27'' 3322-8400). 3 departures daily. The ride takes 7 and half hours.
  • From Brasilia, by '''Passaro Verde''', tel. ''61'' 3223-6658. One departure daily. The ride takes 12 hours.
  • Get around

    On foot

    The town's small size and steep hills make walking the most convenient way of getting around the city center. Bring some good shoes and be prepared to huff and puff a bit, as the streets are cobbled and you will spend the day walking up and down steep hills. Travellers with impaired mobility may have a hard time getting around.

    By bus

    City buses run to neighborhoods outside of the city center, as well as to neighboring towns like Mariana.

    See

    Before diving into Ouro Preto_Ls history, the traveller must be aware that filming or taking picture inside museums and churches is not allowed.

  • Itacolomi State Park. 1 8835-7260. ttp://www.parquedoitacolomi.com.br. hurs-Sun from 8am to 5pm. Shared by the municipalities of Ouro Preto and Mariana), tel. 31 3557-5001, minasdapassagem@minasdapassagem.com.br, [http://www.minasdapassagem.com.br].
  • Mina Velha. ld Mine. ua Santa Rita 21. :30am-5pm. $5. Opened in 1704, this is oldest mine in town. This mine was dug by slaves and shows the contrast between hand dug mines and industrially dug mines (such as '''Mina da Passagem'''). Look for the veins of mica and ocher visible in the tunnel walls. The walking space is very limited and in certain locations can be claustrophobic for those who do not enjoy enclosed spaces.

    Do

    Festivals

  • '''Carnaval''' - Ouro Preto is increasingly popular during Carnaval, especially with college students. Although the city loses some of its tranquil historic charm, the steep streets preclude the raucous loudspeaker trucks found in other cities like Olinda, and people generally just party in the streets. Be sure to reserve accommodations in advance if you plan to visit during this time.
  • '''Holy Week''' - Easter week brings lavish celebration to the streets around Matriz da N.S. da Conceicao, with intense floral decoration and interesting processions in the street.
  • '''Winter Festival''' - A art festival with workshops and cultural events organized by the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto''' (Federal University of Ouro Preto).
  • Buy

  • Antiguidades Toledo. ua Conselheiro Quintiliano 848 - Lajes. 1 3551-5915. ttp://www.toledo.art.br. Large selection of antique paintings, sculptures, furniture, and clocks.

  • Casa das Pedras / Grupiara Pedras. raca Tiradentes 95 and 124. 1 3551-1648. These two affiliated stores on the central square have a good selection of high-quality locally-produced jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious and semi-precious stones.

  • '''Soapstone market''' - On the way down the hill east of Praca Tiradentes is an open-air market with fascinating local creations in soapstone and wood. A great place to find a souvenir.
  • Eat

  • Cafe Geraes. ua Conde de Bobadela 122 - Centro. 1 3551-5097. Sandwiches and a la carte dishes. Occasional live music. </eat>
  • Casa do Ouvidor. ua Conde de Bobadella 42. 1 3551-2141. Specializing in Minas Gerais state's regional cuisine, such as ''tutu a mineira'' , ''frango com quiabo'' or ''ora pro nobis''. Major credit and debit cards accepted.
  • Consola's Pizzaria e Restaurante. ua da Conceicao 18 - Antonio Dias. ext to Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. 1 3551-4175. Serving varied Brazilian fare as well as (Brazilian-style) pizza. Wed-Sat 4pm-midnight.
  • Chalet dos Caldos. ua Carlos Thomaz 33 - Centro. 1 3551-3992. Relaxed restaurant with a nice view of the city. Credit cards accepted. Opens at 7pm. Closed on Mondays.
  • Maximus Colonial. ua Direita, 151 - Centro. 1 9914-1209. $16-20/person, cash only. An excellent budget restaurant which specializes in local food. Food is normally cooked in stone pans.
  • Pizzaria O Passo. Rua Sao Jose 56 - Centro. 1 3552-5089. ttp://www.opassopizzaria.com.br. Pizza as well as a variety of pastas, seafood, salads, and desserts served in an 18th-century house. Well-stocked wine cellar.

    Drink

  • '''Booze Bar Cafe''', Rua Direita 42, (31) 3551-1482. Located just off the square, with live music.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Brumas Hostel (Youth Hostel)''', Rua Padre Jose Marcus Penna, 68, tel. (31) 3551-2944 /6745, [mailto:brumasonline@hotmail.com brumasonline@hotmail.com], [http://www.brumashostel.com.br/]. About 150m from the bus station. Nice city view. The hostel has its own kitchen where you can cook whenever you like. It also has a communal barbecue area to enjoy yourself and get together with others.
  • '''O Sorriso Do Lagarto Hostel & Posada''', Rua Conseheiro Quintiliano, 271, tel. (31) 3551-4811 / 9866-2426, [mailto:ouropreto@osorrisodolagarto.com.br ouropreto@sorrisodolagarto.com.br], [http://www.osorrisodolagarto.com.br/]. About 150m from the city center. The hostel is new and has a great breakfast of freshly baked cakes. Try their coffee with their special warmed milk. The toilets are very clean and well designed for multi-users. The owner is a very sweet guy and could give you a lift to/fro the bus station if you are nice.
  • '''Student Houses''', The city has a big university and is full of students houses, known as ''republicas''. They often rent low-priced rooms to tourists.
  • Mid-range

  • Casa Dona Denis. ua Sao Miguel Arcanjo 175 - Agua Limpa. 1 3551-1947. onadenis@gmail.com. ttp://www.donadenis.com.br. Bed & Breakfast with television, free internet, a pool, and free parking.

  • Hotel Casa Grande Pousada. ua Conselheiro Quintiliano 96 - Centro. 1 3551-4314. eservas@hotelpousadacasagrande.com.br. ttp://www.hotelpousadacasagrande.com.br. Satellite TV, minibar, security safe, laundry service. Parking available. Accepts major credit cards.

  • Pousada Casa dos Contos. ua Camilo de Brito 21 - Centro. 1 3551-1148. eservas@pousadacasadoscontosop.com.br. 1 3551-5358. ttp://www.pousadacasadoscontosop.com.br. Mini-bar, TV, laundry service, parking, and free breakfast. Discounts are available in the low season.

  • Pousada Nello Nuno. ua Camilo de Brito 59 - Centro. 1 3551-3375. eservasnellonuno@hotmail.com. ttp://www.pousadanellonuno.com.br. Restored historic manor with an internal patio decorated in the style of the 1700s. TV, mini-bar. Free internet and breakfast.

  • Pousada Ouro Preto. argo Musicista Jose dos Anjos Costa 72 - Antonio Dias. 1 3551-3081. ousadaouropreto@veloxmail.com.br. ttp://www.pousadaouropreto.com.br. Suites have TV, telephone, mini-bar, and most have decent views of the city. Free breakfast. Parking available. Major credit cards accepted.

  • Pousada Sao Francisco de Paula. ua Padre Jose Marcos Penna 202 - Centro. 1 3551-3456. eservas@pousadasaofranciscodepaula.com.br. ttp://www.pousadasaofranciscodepaula.com.br. Simple accommodations in a quiet setting with a nice little garden.

    Splurge

  • Arcanjo Hotel Pousada. ua Sao Miguel Arcanjo 270. 1 3551-4121. ttp://www.arcanjohotel.com.br. 4-star hotel with rooms decorated in 18th-century style-- even the staff dress the part. Telephone, TV with English channels, minibar, and broadband internet. Breakfast buffet and shuttle service to the historic center are provided free of charge. Major credit cards accepted.
  • Grande Hotel de Ouro Preto. ua Senador Rocha Lagoa 164 - Centro. 1 3551-1488. 1 3551-5028. ttp://www.hotelouropreto.com.br. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer in the early 1940's, this hotel has suites and apartments with phone, TV, minibar, and air conditioning. Each room has a balcony with a decent view. Swimming pool and restaurant on premises. Parking available. Major credit cards are accepted. R$140-240.
  • Luxor Ouro Preto Hotel. ua Dr. Alfredo Baeta 16- Centro. 1 3551-2244. ttp://www.luxor.com.br. This 18th-century manor now rents suites furnished with replicas of furniture from the period. TV, phone, and on-site restaurant.

    Contact

  • <listing name="Raitai Lan House?" alt="" directions="Take Rua Condo de Bobadela west from Praca Tiradentes about 200 meters and follow it around to the left." address="Rua Parana, 100" phone="31 3551-5151?" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Gaming-centric internet cafe.</listing>
  • Get out

  • Congonhas
  • Mariana - The oldest city and first capital of the state, another charmingly well-preserved colonial baroque town is only 18km away.
  • :* '''Maria Fumaca''' - Construction of this railway, a part of the '''Trem do Vale''' [http://www.tremdavale.org/] began in 1883 when the gold was still flowing into the city, but by the time its run to the other terminus in Mariana was completed in 1914, the gold had run dry. Restored in 2006, the steam locomotive now provides a delightful way to take a daytrip to see Mariana's historic sights. Specially-designed panoramic passenger cars allow for beautiful views of the valley.
  • Ouro Branco