'''Tiradentes''' is one of the smallest yet best preserved colonial towns in the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. It has a population of about 6000 and boasts some fine examples of 300-year old buildings, like the impressive gold-filled ''Matriz'' church. It is also well-known amongst food lovers for its food festival in August and its many good regional and modern restaurants.
Get in
Tiradentes is located 14 km from Sao Joao del Rei, 215 km from Belo Horizonte, 325 km from Rio de Janeiro and 483 from Sao Paulo.
There are about 10 buses a day from (and to) Sao Joao del Rei (8 on weekends). The '''bus station''' (''Rodoviaria'') is located near the ''Sao Francisco de Paula'' church at Praca Silva Jardim. Tel: (32) 3355-1100. There are no ticket booths, pay onboard.
On weekends, the '''maria-fumaca''' (steam train) leaves the neighbouring city of Sao Joao del Rei twice a day (10 am and 3 pm). The 35-minute trip is a nice way to get into town in full "vintage" style.
Get around
Cars are allowed to circulate, but given the compact size of the old town, slowly '''walking''' around is by far the best way to see and feel the place. The irregular ancient pavement may not be quite friendly to those with locomotion disabilities, though.
See
Buildings from times long gone and the cobblestone streets give Tiradentes a very special feeling. Its main attractions include:
Churches
The beautiful '''Church of Saint Anthony''' (''Igreja de Santo Antonio'') (1732).
'''Rosario dos Pretos'''
'''Sao Francisco de Paula''' - the nicest views of Tiradentes, from a hilltop
Other buildings
'''Chafariz''' - A fountain dating back to the 1700s
'''Stone Bridge'''
'''Casa da Camara'''
Museums
'''Padre Toledo'''
'''Casa da Cultura'''
'''Yves Alves Cultural Center'''
Do
Small '''Carriage tours''' leave the ''Largo das Forras'' square and the train station to visit the main attractions in the old town. The 1-hour ride costs R$ 15 and carries up to 4 persons.
Trekking in the nearby mountains of Serra de Sao Jose.
Cultural and gastronomic festival in August
Buy
There are many sweets and crafts shops around town. Most of the crafts are actually made by people living at the ''Bichinho'' district, separated from town by a narrow 7 km long dust road. Go there if you want to get cheaper prices buy from the artists directly, but be prepared to gold-dig a little bit.
Eat
'''Viradas do Largo''' - Rua do Moinho, 11. (32) 3355-1111. Also known as ''restaurante da Beth'' (Beth's restaurant) this place is slightly off the tourist trail but well worth a visit for fine examples of typical ''mineiro'' regional food such as the ''tropeiro'' beans. The dishes are expensive for local standards (R$ 50-55 for two) but well prepared and well-served: a plate for two may well fill up three people.
'''Pasta & cia''' - Rua Frederico Ozanan, 327. Fone: (32) 3355-1478. Home-made pasta, nice for when you want to take a break from those all-Brazilian dishes.
Drink
There are several bars in and around the ''Largo das Forras'' square.
Bottles of fine Brazilian ''cachaca'' can be bought in many shops scattered around town.
Sleep
There are several choices of ''pousadas'' in Tiradentes, ranging from simple, basic pensions to nice comfortable inns housed in historic buildings. Many hotels can also be found outside the old town and in nearby rural areas.
The city is a very popular weekend and holiday destination, so it's advisable to book in advance during those peak periods. New Year, Carnival and Holy Week are particularly busy. Check the calendar of Brazilian holidays for precise dates. The food festival in August is also considered high season.
Many people choose to sleep at nearby Sao Joao del Rei, a larger and less touristy city.
Get out