Ouro Preto [ 1 dia ] There are some attractions in Ouro Preto that descubraminas.com considers to be essential. The person with time for just one full day in Ouro Preto will have to choose and prioritize, since it is impossible to visit and appreciate them all in one day. It is ideal to spend two days in the city in order to see everything in a more relaxed and calm manner. The Tiradentes Square is the central point of the city; it is as if it were a divider. From that point, one can programme visits. Ouro Preto possesses steep slopes and you can take a considerable amount of time to traverse them. Walking is, however, the best way to get to know the city, which is an open-air museum, and to best observe it from different angles.

Right side (facing the Museu da Inconfidência (Conspiracy Museum) – known as the Paróquia do Pilar (Pillar Parish)

Left side – facing the Museu da Inconfidência (Conspiracy Museum) – known as the Paróquia do Pilar (Pillar Parish)

• Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo – Church of Our Lady of the Carmo

• Teatro Municipal – Municipal Theatre • Museu Guignard – Guignard Museum • Casa dos Contos – House of Tales • Chafariz dos Contos – Fountain of Tales • Matriz do Pilar / Museu de Arte Sacra –

Museum of Sacred Art • Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário –

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary • Igreja São Francisco de Paula – Church

of Saint Francis of Paula • Igreja de São José – Saint Joseph Church • Igreja Nossa Senhora das Mercês –

Church of Our Lady of Mercy • Igreja de São Miguel e Almas – Church

of Saint Michael and Souls

• Igreja de São Francisco de Assis – Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

• Feira de Artesanato (Handicraft Fair) • Residência de Thomaz Antônio Gonzaga • Residência Cláudio Manoel da Costa • Matriz Nossa Senhora da Conceição /

Museu do Aleijadinho (Aleijadinho Museum)

• Capela Nossa Senhora das Dores • Igreja de Santa Ifigênia – Church of Saint

Ephigenia • Igreja do Rosário – Church of the Rosary

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A day in Ouro Preto Start your visit in the Tiradentes Square and do not forget to keep an eye on the open hours of the attractions to best take advantage of them.

In the Tiradentes Square, one can visit the: Museu de Ciência e Técnica Musuem of Science and Technique The imposing building, which houses the museum, served as the Governor’s Palace during the colonial, imperial and republican periods. Address: Tiradentes Square, 20 – (31) 3551-5231 Open Hours: Mineralogy, Natural History, Mining, Metallurgy, Physics and Interactive Science sections – Tuesdays – Sundays, from 12:00 to 17:00 Astronomy, Topography, Design and Astronomic Observatory section –Saturdays, from 20:00 to 22:00.

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Praça Tiradentes - Tiradentes Square The location of the present-day Tiradentes Square was, in the 18th Century, known as Morro de Santa Quitéria, and during almost the entire 19th Century, it was called Praça da Independência (Independence Square). In 1894, with the inauguration of the monument in honour of Tiradentes, it became known as Praça Tiradentes (Tiradentes Square).

Important! During your visit, pay attention to the fountains, bridges, chapels and

oratories along the way. Along with the great constructions these items make up part of the city’s rich architectural collection.

Museu da Inconfidência Conspiracy Musuem Installed in the former Vila Rica House of Chambers and Jailhouse, the Conspiracy Museum is one of the most important historic museums in Brazil. Address: Tiradentes Square, 139 – (31) 3551-1121 / 3551-5233 Open Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, from 12:00 to 18:00 Things to observe in the Square Monumento a Tiradentes Tiradentes Monument In the centre of Tiradentes Square, the monument in honour of the independence martyr marks the Ouro Preto landscape. It was erected in the location where Joaquim José da Silva Xavier’s head was put on display to the population of Vila Rica. The cornerstone was revealed on the day of the centenary of Tiradentes’ death – 21st of April 1892. Conjunto Alpoim Alpoim Complex The houses with the numbers 52 to 70 were probably projected by Brigadier José Fernandes Pinto Alpoim. Among them is the house of Dom Manoel de Portugal e Castro, the last governor of the Captaincy of Minas Gerais in the colonial period. The three metal railings on the balconies contain a peculiarity: inscribed on them is the phrase “para memória do benefício imortal teu nome fica gravado neste metal” (“to the memory of the immortal benefit, your name is engraved in this metal”). It is said that the governor’s lover was who ordered that the inscription be made on the house’s balcony. Chafariz da Praça Tiradentes Tiradentes Square Fountain Installed along with the staircase wall of the Conspiracy Museum, it has the particularity of having been inaugurated on the birthday of Dom Pedro II. On its inscription is written: “Inaugurated on the 2nd of December 1846, 21st birthday of His Imperial Majesty Dom Pedro II, by order of the President of the Province Quintiliano José da Silva”.

Museu da Inconfidência - Foto: Robson Oliveira

Monumento à Tiradentes - Foto: Maria Lucia Dornas Mo

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Chafariz da Praça – Foto: Maria Lucia Dornas

After visiting the attractions at the Tiradentes Square, it’s time to walk around and get acquainted with the city. We have elaborated a section-by-section

itinerary, firstly the Pillar Parish, followed by the Antônio Dias Parish. There is nothing, however, preventing you from inverting this order.

In the Pillar Parish Located very near to the Conspiracy Museum is the Municipal Theatre, former

Opera House. Enter Brigadeiro Musqueira Street, in front of the Conspiracy Museum’s staircase (right side)

Teatro Municipal Municipal Theatre The Ouro Preto Theatre, known in the 18th and 19th Centuries as the Opera House, is considered by many to be the oldest in South America. It is the oldest functioning theatre in Brazil, to be sure. It also possesses a differential in that it was the first theatre where women stepped on stage in Brazil. It is one of the most charming attractions of Ouro Preto. Address: Brigadeiro Musqueira Street – (31) 3559-3224 Open Hours: from 12:00 to 17:30 Go back to the Tiradentes Square and go down the Conde de Bobadela Street;

at the end of the street, turn right, pass in front of the Courthouse and the Vila Rica Cinema-Theatre. The Fountain of Tales and the House of Tales are

located a bit further ahead, to the right. Chafariz dos Contos Fountain of Tales This is, without doubt, the most beautiful and robust fountain in Ouro Preto. It was given this name for being located next to the magnificent House of Tales. Address: Reinaldo Alves de Brito Square

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Teatro – Foto: Henry Yu

Chafariz dos Contos – Foto: Maria Lucia Dornas

Casa dos Contos House of Tales Lofty and imposing, the House of Tales presents itself among the Ouro Preto landscape as the most beautiful example of civil colonial architecture of the 18th Century, leaving many a wonderful impression on its visitors. Address: São José Street, nº 12 – (31) 3551-1444 Open Hours: Mondays – from 14:00 to 18:00; Tuesdays – Saturdays – from 10:00 to 18:00; Sundays and Holidays – from 10:00 to 16:00

Casa dos Contos – Foto: Divanildo Marques

Casa dos Contos – Foto: Maria Lucia Dornas

Matriz Nossa Senhora do Pilar Church of Our Lady of the Pillar One of the most exuberant temples of Minas Gerais. It originates in the apogee of Baroque decoration, providing a dramatic effect for the senses. A visit to this church truly becomes a lesson in Art History. Address: Monsenhor João Castilho Barbosa Square – (31) 3551-4736 Open Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, from 9:00 to 10:45 and from 12:00 to 16:45

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Continue down the street São José and down the street Randolpho Bretas, street of escadinhas.

Matriz do Pilar – Fotos: Sérgio Freitas

Igreja São Francisco de Assis Church of Saint Francis of Assisi An art masterpiece from the Brazilian colonial period, the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a not-to-miss attraction. It was here that the great mineiro masters, Antônio Francisco Lisboa and Manoel da Costa Ataíde, left behind exuberant examples of their work. Address: Coimbra Square – (31) 3551-3282 Open Hours: Tuesdays - Sundays, from 8:30 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 17:00

To finish off the day, distract yourself at the Handicraft Fair in front of the São Francisco Church.

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Return to Tiradentes Square, down the street Claudio Manoel,

opposite to street Conde Bobadela.

Forro da nave da Ig. S. Francisco de Assis - mestre Ataíde – Foto: Sérgio Freitas

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Take care!

Few attractions open on Mondays. In the months of January and July, however, some churches open on this day of the week. Wear comfortable shoes, since these places often have very steep streets and irregular sidewalks. In almost all the attractions you will be required to store your belongings and it is not permitted to take photographs. Entrance fees are charged.

Tip!!!

For complete information about the monuments and travel services consult: descubraminas.com

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Fountains Essential for the colonial populations, the fountains were spread around towns, in strategic points, due to the lack of piped water to the residences. Construction was the responsibility of the Municipal Chambers. The “fountains gave way to meetings among slaves and the inevitable gossip about what was happening in the households” (Históra da Vida Privada no Brasil). Uproars and arguments were frequent, so much so that, in some towns, it became prohibited for slaves to gather at the fountains. Bridges It is common to see crosses on bridges. The very superstitious people of the 18th Century were very afraid of crossing bridges at night; for them, the spaces of any of them were places for demons and lost souls to gather. Thus the motive of placing crosses at the bridges, since people felt safer when they were present.

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How to get to the region: From Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto: 98 km There are two options: BR-040 (Federal Highway) – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR-356 BR-356 – Rodovia dos Inconfidentes until Ouro Preto From Belo Horizonte to Mariana: 128 km Option 1 BR-040 – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR-356 BR-356 – Rodovia dos Inconfidentes until the entrance of Mariana Option 2 BR-040 – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR-356 BR-356 – Rodovia dos Inconfidentes until Ouro Preto In Ouro Preto, continue along the Conselheiro Quintiliano Street From Rio de Janeiro – 475 km There are two options: Option 1 BR-040 – in the direction of Belo Horizonte until the interchange with the BR-356 BR-356 – Rodovia dos Inconfidentes until Ouro Preto Option 2 BR-040 – in the direction of Belo Horizonte until the interchange with the city of Ouro Branco Continue along the “Estrada Real” until Ouro Preto From São Paulo – 675 km BR-381 – Fernão Dias BR-040 – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR-356 BR-356 – Rodovia dos Inconfidentes until Ouro Preto BR 356 - Rodovia dos Inconfidentes - até Ouro Preto

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Gastronomy In this region, the visitor can appreciate the most famous and delicious dishes of the mineira culinary. Feijão-tropeiro Beans mixed with cassava flour and bacon. It is accompanied by sausage and/or pork and egg. It is served with rice and strung kale. Tutu de feijão Blended beans thickened with cassava flour. It is accompanied by sausage and/or pork and boiled eggs. It is served with rice and strung kale. Frango com quiabo Stewed chicken with diced okra. Served with rice and polenta. Frango ao molho pardo Chicken in a sauce prepared with the chicken’s own blood. It is served with rice and polenta. Bambá de couve A seasoned corn broth with small pieces of pork and/or bacon with strung kale. Goiabada cascão This dessert made of guava is produced in the district of São Bartolomeu. It is known in some English-speaking countries as guava cheese or guava paste. This particular kind contains pieces of actual guava fruit in the “cheese/paste”. Doce de leite Cream-like or in chopped pieces. In the region, one can try this wonderful caramel-coloured candy that is milk-based. de leite.

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Shopping The best options for those who wish to purchase regional products are: Soap Stone handicraft. Sisal Carpets Precious stones, especially imperial topaz. Ouro Preto is currently the only producer in the world of imperial topaz. Paintings, made by excellent artists can be bought in many galleries Cachaça: this region is the most famous for producing and commercializing cachaças of the finest quality

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Events Principal events: Carnaval – dates vary Semana Santa – dates vary Festa da Goiabada (District of S. Bartolomeu) – March Entrega da Medalha da Inconfidência – 21st of April Cineop – Mostra de Cinema de Ouro Preto – June Festival de Inverno (Winter Festival) – Julho Festival Internacional Tudo é Jazz – August Aniversário da Escola de Minas – October Fórum das Letras – October General Information Secretaria de Cultura e Turismo (Secretary of Culture and Tourism) Rua Cláudio Manoel, 61 Tel.: (31) 3559-3341 Associação dos Guias de Turismo (Tour Guide Association) Rua Padre Rolim, s/nº Tel.: (31) 3551-2655 Bus Station Rua Padre Rolim, s/nº Tel.: (31) 3559-3252

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Map: Edison Vilela

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