Ouro Preto , Tiradentes and Congonhas - Brasilian History Alive...

OURO PRETO

Here is, on my opinion, one of the most interesting destination in Brazil together with Salvador, if you are interested in brazilian cultural and historical background. Founded in the early eighteenth century, Ouro Preto is a masterpiece of colonial Brazilian architecture and art. Indeed, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.

Located 100km from Minas Gerais´ capital Belo Horizonte. First known as Vila Rica was renamed because of the black coloring of the earth that was a result of the iron oxide in the soil. Ouro Preto was the center of the 18th-century gold rush.The gold found in MG made Brazil the world's largest producer at that time.

In 1789 Ouro Preto was the center of the Independence Movement, called "Inconfidencia Mineira" lided by Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, a dentist better known as "Tiradentes" and composed by a group of intelectuals educated in Europe with new political and social ideas of independence.

Main ideas of the Movement were basically: declare independence of the "Capitania" ( Brazil at the time was divided in Capitanias ), establish the Republic, abolish slavery, transfer hadquarters of the Capitania to São João Del-Rei and create a Univercity in Vila Rica.

Tiradentes was executed in Rio and his head displayed in the main square of Ouro Preto in 1792( then called Praça Tiradentes).

What is interesting to visit :
INCONFIDENCIA MUSEUM (which documents Brazil’s earliest independence movement)where you can also find richly detailed wood carvings by Ouro Preto's other colonial hero-sculptor and architect Antonio Francisco Lisboa (1730 to 1814 )also called "Aleijadinho" ( most important work is the "Christ at the Pillar" that you can see in the town of Congonhas do Campo, 30km from OP)and the paintings of Manuel da Costa Athaíde.
CARMO CHURCH ,
NOSSA SENHORA DO PILAR CHURCH with its simple facade and extravagent baroque interior,
NOSSA SENHORA DO ROSARIO DOS PRETOS,
CASA DOS CONTOS (the former minting house);,
SÃO FRANCISCO CHURCH represent high Mineiro baroque,
MINERALOGICAL MUSEUM,
MUSEU DO ORATORIO (with its magnificent collection of sacred art, especially oratories). A grand synthesis of history and art.

Cultural, popular and religious events are yet another reason for visiting Ouro Preto. The craft fair in the Saint Francis Church square, the Winter Festival, the Easter Pageant and the Festival of Our Lady of the Rosary are among these special attractions.

Last, but certainly not least, most local restaurants serve excellent meals based on regional culinary traditions which reflect their Brazilian, European and African origins.

Where to stay :

Best is without any doubght " POUSADA do MONDEGO" Internet: www.mondego.com.br. Situated alongside the Saint Francis Church, this sophisticated inn offers only the best. The Pousada do Mondego features among a select group of charming inns with its impressive eighteenth-century furnishings and art works. Aside from the twenty-four rooms of superior quality and comfort, there is an art gallery and an exposition of precious gems, jewelry and antiques.

Also very nice is the "POUSADA LUXOR" call toll free 0800-16-5322 or E-Mail: opreto@luxor-hotels.comor Internet: www.luxor-hotels.com/ouropreto

TIRADENTES

A ride from São João del Rei to Tiradentes on the narrow gage train pulled by a nineteenth-century steam locomotive called "Maria Fumaça", rolls you back into a long lost past and lets you in on some of the mysteries of Minas Gerais.

One of Aleijadinho’s last projects, the Saint Anthony Church at Tiradentes housed a sophisticated eighteenth-century organ, still used in the celebration of masses. Framed by the splendid São José mountain range, this town conducts an annual film festival and a world class gastronomic festival. One of the most charming towns in Minas, Tiradentes has lovely inns, highly-rated restaurants, tempting shops and a generally up-scale ambience. A place not to be missed.

Comfort, sophistication and style make Tiradentes one of the most alluring towns in Minas. Its shops are inviting, the craftworks of the finest quality, the inns and restaurants enchanting. All very romantic.

Where to stay:

The "POUSADA SOLAR DA PONTE" is considered the best one. We found it extremly dark and humid and we choosed the "POUSADA TRES PORTAS".With a breathtaking view of the mountain range and cozy and comfortable rooms, this is an altogether charming little inn. The heated pool provides a restful swim, while the sauna, bar and fireplace promise further pampering. The furnishings keep up the colonial atmosphere.But you have to ask for the only "suite"they have!!! For information call : 0xx-32-355.1444

CONGONHAS

The baroque style was characterized by exuberant forms and liturgical and ornamental pomp. The tiny mulatto angels and bucolic motifs abounding in the works of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho, were the marks which came to define a decidedly Brazilian baroque style.

The former mining center of Congonhas is blessed with a major grouping of this brilliant sculptor’s works: the twelve prophets sculpted in soapstone and the figures of the Stations of the Cross, completed from 1796 to 1799. The life-size sculptures constitute Brazil’s most important artistic treasure.

Article written by: Alessandra PB Larousse

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