Ouro Preto — A beautiful city with a big history
Ouro Preto was founded more than 300 years ago and used to be the capital of Minas Gerais. Currently, the historical municipality is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Ouro Preto is a very charming small town that is definitely worth visiting. It is only 1h30 from Belo Horizonte which is perfect for a quick visit during the weekend.
Ouro Preto was one of the cities with the largest gold exploration in Brazil. By the way, Ouro Preto means Black Gold, which it is a characteristic color of a typical mineral that can be found in the city.
Due to all the wealth that came from the gold, Ouro Preto has the most beautiful churches, and the most important collection of architecture and art of the colonial period, in the whole country.
There are a lot of cool attractions in Ouro Preto, such as the beautiful churches and museums, trails to breathtaking waterfalls, viewpoints that deserve a stop for pictures, and of course, the traditional food from Minas Gerais. Take the opportunity to see all the art and architecture of Ouro Preto, not just on the outside, but reserve a moment to see the inside. The outside of churches and museums are beautiful, but it is under the roof that the greatest local treasures are located.
Amongst so many attractions, we will highlight the top ones:
Museums
Museu da Inconfidência
It is a tribute to the Inconfidência Mineira Event, which was one of the most important social movements in the history of Brazil. It represents the Brazilian fight for freedom, against the oppression of the Portuguese Government in the colonial period.
Museu da Escola de Minas
A museum of mineralogy, stones etc. Very interesting, especially for those who are into mining. The museum’s collection brings together pieces from the Escola de Minas, one of the oldest educational institutions dedicated to engineering in Brazil. In addition, it has an observatory at night, where you can watch the stars, the planets and the moon.
Churches
Igreja do Pilar
It is estimated that this church is among the ones that got the most amount gold in its decoration, in the whole state of Minas Gerais, and probably Brazil. Also, in the inside, it has an art museum.
Igreja Sao Francisco de Assis
It was built almost entirely by one of the greatest Brazilian sculptors in history, Alejadinho. The church’s ceiling has beautiful painting that every tourist is amazed by.
Restaurants
The Passo Pizza Jazz
It is the best restaurant in town, definitely unmissable. The restaurant offers delicious dishes from different regions that are a reference in the worldwide gastronomy. Such as the Italian-style pasta, the French-style meat, different salads, seafood, appetizers, and dessert. However, the restaurant’s famous pizza is the main feature of the house. There are eight pleasant environments, each with its own particularity, but all with great comfort. Passo Pizza Jazz is located in a beautiful 18th century mansion in Ouro Preto’s historic downtown area.
The owners of Passo Pizza Jazz own two more restaurants that is worth checking out. The Tropea which serves delicious Italian food, perfect to have a great lunch or dinner. And the Escada Abaixo restaurant, which is in some sort of basement, very cool for those who like a different and underground environment. Check the Escada Abaixo at night, have a beer and enjoy an appetizer!
For those who like cold beer, there is the Ouro Pretana Brewery that it is in the historic downtown area but a little far away from the main core. Close to the brewery, you will find a very nice restaurant called Vila Boots. The meaning behind the restaurant’s name is the fact that it used to be a shoe factory.
Another great place to enjoy the traditional food is the Chocolate factory. Very nice environment to have a great cup of coffee, a snack or to eat a delicious dessert. Right in front of the factory, you will find the most beautiful place to take pictures in Ouro Preto. It is an amazing view of the Itacolomi peak and Igreja do Pilar.
Viewpoints:
Morro da Forca
It is right in the historic center of Ouro Preto. It is basically a helipad where you have a 360 view of the city.
University of Ouro Preto Viewpoint
It is located a little far away from the downtown area, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful views of the city. This part of town is the heart of the student life. It’s a neighborhood called Bauxita where you can find several bars that are frequented by students and have a more agitated atmosphere.
Accommodations
Ouro Preto is full of affordable and charming hotels and inns. The most famous hotels in the city are:
Grande Hotel
Located right in the downtown historic area and it was designed by Niemeyer, the greatest architect in the history of Brazil.
Hotel Solar do Rosário
The only 5-star hotel in the city.
Parks Waterfalls and Trails
Parque das Andorinhas
It is a park with a lot of trails, climbing and rappelling. Our favorite spots of it are:
Cachoeira das Andorinhas
It is a beautiful, very easy to get and one of our favorite spots in the Park. The place consists on an amazing waterfall in the middle of the rocks, such a curious location.
Mirante Pedra do Jacare
A beautiful viewpoint located in the park.
Poço da Folhina
It is a big well that looks more like a beautiful lake, ideal for swimming and relaxing. On the other hand, the trail to get there is a little longer and difficult. We recommend going down the Santana Hill where the road has a better access.
Parque do Itacolomi
It is a park located in the middle of all the mountains that surround Ouro Preto. There are a lot of great attractions such as zipline, beautiful lakes and the road to get there, the highest point of the park. The entire trail is well demarcated with easy access.
