Ouro Preto walking tour & city guide
A baroque gold-rush town in the hills.
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Ouro Preto, in the mountains of Minas Gerais, was the center of Brazil's 18th-century gold rush. Its steep cobbled streets, baroque churches and colonial houses make it one of the best-preserved colonial towns in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The colonial town
Tiradentes Square is the heart of town, named after the hero of an independence uprising. The São Francisco de Assis Church was designed by Aleijadinho, Brazil's greatest baroque sculptor, and the Nossa Senhora do Pilar Church is covered with hundreds of kilos of gold.
Visiting tips
The streets are very steep, so wear good shoes. Old gold mines can be visited. Nearby Mariana is another lovely colonial town.
Top sights in Ouro Preto
- 1
Tiradentes Square
The main square.
- 2
São Francisco de Assis Church
A masterpiece by Aleijadinho.
- 3
Nossa Senhora do Pilar Church
A church full of gold.
- 4
Inconfidência Museum
The history of the uprising.
- 5
Gold mines
Historic mines open to visitors.
Food markets & where to eat in Ouro Preto
Rua Direita
Restaurants in colonial houses.
Tiradentes Square
Cafés around the main square.
Local markets
Cheese, sweets and cachaça.
Food to try in Ouro Preto
Pão de queijo
Cheese bread, born in Minas Gerais.
Tutu à mineira
Mashed beans with pork and greens.
Doce de leite
A sweet caramel spread.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Ouro Preto
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Ouro PretoCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Ouro Preto.
- eSIM for BrazilStay online from the moment you land.
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