Ouro Preto

Congonhas Ouro Preto Paraty San Joao Del Rei Tiradentes

Ouro Preto

Churches Gold Mine Market Residences Streets Ouro Preto 1992

 

Ouro Preto

Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto (meaning Black Gold) was originally called Vila Rica, or "rich village", the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil's golden age in the 18th century under Portuguese rule.

 

 

 

 

 


The city contains well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture, with few signs of modern urban life. Modern construction must adhere to historical standards maintained by the city. 18th- and 19th-century churches decorated with gold and the sculptured works of Aleijadinho make Ouro Preto a prime tourist destination.

 


The tremendous wealth from gold mining in the 18th century created a city which attracted the intelligentsia of Europe. Philosophy and art flourished, and evidence of a baroque revival called the "Barroco Mineiro" is illustrated in architecture as well as by sculptors such as Aleijadinho, painters such as Mestre Athayde, composers such as Lobo de Mesquita, and poets such as Tomás António Gonzaga.

 

 

More Photos of the Streets


In 1789, Ouro Preto became the birthplace of the Inconfidência Mineira, a failed attempt to gain independence from Portugal. The leading figure, Tiradentes, was hanged as a threat to any future revolutionaries.

 

 

More Photos of the Residences

 

former school of mines

In 1876, the Escola de Minas (Mines School) was created. This school established the technological foundation for several of the mineral discoveries in Brazil.

 


Ouro Preto was capital of Minas Gerais from 1720 until 1897, when the needs of government outgrew this town in the valley. The state government was moved to the new, planned city of Belo Horizonte.

Text from Wikipedia

 

Opera House

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Box

 

 

 

 

 

 

coming production


 

train station

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

upper story was restored, after a fire
note the different color corner strips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

stone cutting shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Churches Gold Mine Market Residences Streets Ouro Preto 1992

Congonhas Ouro Preto Paraty San Joao Del Rei Tiradentes

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