Ouro Preto was the first capital of the State of Minas Gerais, which stands out for the mineral richness of its soil. Ouro Preto was founded during the “Golden Age” of the colonial period (times during which Brazil was a colony of Portugal, from 1500 to 1822). Its architecture shows the opulence of that time and the baroque style of its buildings has some rare artistic features. The town was included in the list of World Human Heritage of UNESCO in 1980.
Restaurants: The culinary of the State of Minas Gerais is considered one of the best of the country by a large number of Brazilians. Dishes as “galinha com quiabo” (chicken with sauté okra), “costelinha de porco” (pork chops), “lombo com couve e angu” (pork fillet with greens and polenta) are some of the favorites. Desserts are fabulous and some could stand for symbols of the State, traditional as they are: “goiabada” (guava paste) and “doce de leite” (milk soft paste) both served with tasteful cheese (dairy is one of the most important produces of the State.) Besides that, tourists can try the liquor produced in Minas: “cachaça”. It is used to prepare the most famous Brazilian drink, “caipirinha”, and there are specialty stores where you can find all the finest brands.
Try the rich flavors of the of the culinary of Minas Gerais at:
Casa do Ouvidor - Rua Conde de Borbadela 42, Phone: 551-2141
Chafariz - Rua São José 167, Phone: 551-2828
O Profeta Rua Conde de Borbadela 61 Phone: 551-4556
Attractions: The more monumental architecture of Ouro Preto includes dressed stone churches inspired by the late Baroque (second half of the 18th century) in which the exceptional talent of the sculptor Manuel Francisco Lisboa, known as “Aleijadinho”, stands out. Civic buildings, bridges, fountains and gardens complete the ensemble.
Churches:
Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição - one of the most important churches in Ouro Preto, it has splendid interior ornamentation and represents the joanian style, characteristic of the second phase of Baroque art in Minas Gerais State
Igreja de São Francisco de Assis - a masterpiece of the rococó period in Brazil. It brings together works of two of the greatest artists of the colonial period: Antônio Francisco Lisboa (architect, sculptor, engraver and ornamentalist), known as Aleijadinho ("little cripple"), and Manuel da Costa Ataíde (painter and gilder).
Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar - it is considered the ultimate expression of baroque opulence and dramaticism.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo - the powerful Third Religious Order of Carmo brought together the best artists of the region to build their temple, which launched the rococó style in Brazil. Its style is one of the most delicate and refined in Brazil.
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Brancos (ou Igreja Padre Faria)
- Igreja de Santa Efigênia
Museums and Civic Buildings:
Museu da Inconfidência (Museum of Inconfidência) - it is known as the first neoclassic style building in Minas Gerais state, though it contains baroque characteristics especially in its doors and windows. Its collection depicts the revolt against Portuguese domination occurred in Minas Gerais in the 18th century.
Escola de Minas e Metalurgia, former Palácio dos Governadores (College of Engineering, Mines and Metallurgy, former Governors’ Palace) - built to be the Minas Gerais State Governor's home during the Colonial period and the beginning of the Republic, it became the home of the Ouro Preto College of Mines and Metallurgy in 1889.
- Casa dos Contos
- Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Religious Art)
- Museu da Prata (Museum of Silver)
Additional information: Secretaria Municipal de Turismo, Indústria e Comércio (Secretary of Tourism, Industry and Trade) Address: Rua Cláudio Manoel, 61 - Centro, 35400-000 - Ouro Preto, MG, Phone: (031) 559-3215
