Ouro Preto

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Ouro Preto, nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais, is a living museum of Brazil’s colonial past and a jewel of Baroque architecture. Founded in the late 17th century as Vila Rica (“Rich Village”), it became the epicenter of Brazil’s gold rush and one of the most populous cities in the Americas during the 18th century.

Its name, meaning “Black Gold,” refers to the dark-hued gold nuggets found in the area, coated with iron oxide. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Ouro Preto is famed for its steep cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and colorful colonial houses. Masterpieces like the Church of São Francisco de Assis and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo showcase the genius of Aleijadinho, Brazil’s most celebrated colonial sculptor and architect.

The city’s dramatic topography adds to its charm, offering sweeping views from every hilltop and a sense of discovery around each bend. Beyond its architectural splendor, Ouro Preto played a pivotal role in Brazil’s independence movement and remains a symbol of cultural pride and resistance.

Today, it thrives as a university town with a vibrant arts scene, traditional festivals, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe.