Historic Town of Ouro Preto

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Historic Town of Ouro Preto, Colonial architectural ensemble in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Located on steep slopes of Vila Rica, Ouro Preto features winding roads, public buildings, residences, fountains, bridges, and churches with curvilinear Baroque architecture.

The town emerged during the Brazilian Gold Rush in 1698, becoming the capital of Minas Gerais Province from 1720 to 1897 and a center for gold extraction.

The Church of São Francisco de Assisi exhibits elaborate sculptures by Antônio Francisco Lisboa and ceiling paintings by Manuel da Costa Athaide from colonial Brazil.

The historic center contains multiple museums, including the Mining School in the colonial governor's palace and the Inconfidência Museum in the former colonial penitentiary.

Portuguese Crown restrictions on religious orders in Minas Gerais resulted in churches without conventional monasteries, leading to distinct architectural and artistic developments.

Location: Sede

GPS coordinates: -20.37083,-43.51000

Latest update: March 6, 2025 17:41

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