Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Welcome to Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Ouro Preto or "black gold" was the capital of the state of Minas Gerais until 1897. In the 17th Century, Atlantic coast adventurers called "Bandeirantes" arrived in this sleepy mountain village known then as Villa Rica, looking for slaves. They found a strange black stone and sent samples back to Portugal. They had discovered gold; the black coloring was a result of iron oxide in the soil. Vila Rica was renamed Ouro Preto and the gold rush was on. Between 1700 to 1820, 80% of all the gold extracted throughout the world was mined here. It was madness. Lucky prospectors dressed their slaves in gold and diamonds. Jesuit priests arrived bringing artistic concepts from Europe. They insisted that their churches, financed by the gold from the mines, be built in the baroque style.

Today, Ouro Preto has Brazil´s purest collection of baroque art and architecture. The most famous artist is Aleijadinho "the little cripple" (1730´s-1814). Especially noteworthy are his stone carvings-curlicues and soaring angels-which adorn many church entrances. Because of a debilitating disease contracted in midlife, the poor man strapped his tools to his wrists below his useless hands.

From L to R Matriz de Nossa Senhora (M.N.S) de Pilar, de Conceição do Antônio Dias, de Carmo, de São Francisco de Assis.

Another hero is Tiradentes or "the tooth-puller" (1750-1792). He was the leader of a group of ill-fated conspirators which plotted Brazil´s bid for independance from Portugal. He was betrayed, hunted, executed and dismembered. His head was displayed on a pole in the main plaza which now bears his name.

Ouro Preto was built in the mountains of rugged Minas Gerais. Baroque churches, cottages and artwork decorate every one of the very steep streets. There is a Federal University (UFOP) here which specializes in fine arts and mine technology and engineering. There is a festive young atmosphere here. There are many pubs, shops, restaurants, museums and churches to visit. UNESCO declared Ouro Preto a "world cultural monument" in 1981.

Click Here to go to the official Ouro Preto Homepage in English.