Minas Gerais is one of the 26 states of Brazil, the second most populated. The capital is the city of Belo Horizonte, located near the central area. Main producer of coffee and milk of the country, Minas Gerais is known by the patrimony of architecture and conserved colonial art in historical cities as Ouro Preto and Tiradentes.

Ouro Preto Description

Ouro Preto is built on a series of steep hills, full of churches and is steeped in fascinating history. Exploring this city is a delight where only a few modern buildings snap you out of colonial times. The cobblestone streets lead you past decorative fountains, statues, charming churches and mansions. Looking up at the steeples and domes of coloured tiles it doesn't take much to imagine yourself back in the 18th Century.

 

The city is famous for its past enveloped in gold. Founded in 1711, Ouro Preto was the former state capital, the early gold diggers believing this to be the elusive El Dorado.
It is here you can see the work of the famous sculptor, Aleijadinho his most prominent pieces being the façade of the Carmo Church and the Church of Sao Francisco de Assis.

Tiradentes Description

Situated between the Serra de Sao Jose mountain range and the banks of the Rio das Mortes, Tiradentes figured among the earliest settlements in Minas Gerais.

Initial waves of immigrants including large numbers of African slaves were attracted by the gold strikes which occurred in the rivers and streams of the region during the first decade of the eighteenth century.

This eighteenth-century prosperity bequeathed to the town its gracefully decorated Baroque churches, stately public buildings and handsome private home.

Coupled with the beauty of its natural surroundings, Tiradentes is considered a very charming and sophisticated tourist site. Catholicism is an integral part of the lives of local inhabitants.

Processions, Easter celebrations, musical bands and choral groups all express a profound religious spirit. Tiradentes inhabitants are increasingly turning to the crafts as their principal source of income. The craft works are display in windows and doorways and on the sidewalks of nearly every street in town. Ranging from the primitive to the sophisticated, on offer are objects in wood, soapstone, brass, diverse textiles, silver, among others.

Our Itinerary Suggestions

Pousadas in Ouro Preto

• Mondego Pousada
• Luxor Ouro Preto Pousada
• Solar Do Rosario Hotel

Pousadas in Tiradentes

• Solar do Ponte

Mondego Pousada

The Pousada do Mondego is located in an impressive 18th century colonial mansion in the heart of Ouro Preto and looks out over the Largo de Coimbra and the Sao Francisco de Assis church. The pousada blends modern comfort and amenities with an elegant yet rustic style. There are 24 first class rooms, all of which are pleasantly decorated with colonial furniture.

Luxor Ouro Preto Pousada

The hotel is located in the Historical Center, near the main plaza and the Church of N.S. da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception).

Standard
The 10 Standard rooms (7 with double beds and 3 with single beds) are furnished with replicas of furniture of the 18th century. They all have views of the churches and are equipped with TV, mini-bar, telephone and private bathroom (some with bathtubs)

De Luxe Suite
The two luxury rooms have a beautiful panoramic view, TV, telephone, mini-bar, portable heater, double bed, private bathroom and 24-hour room service. All the pieces of furniture are replicas of 18th-century pieces.

Junior Suite
Each of the 7 Junior Suites has a living room, bedroom, and a private bathroom. They have TV, mini-bar, telephone and replicas of 18th-century furniture. All the suites have a view of two beautiful, Baroque churches (Santa Efigenia and N.S.das Merces).

The structure of the restaurant is preserved with stone walls and furniture which create an 18th-century colonial atmosphere, appropriate for a candlelight dinner. To this cozy atmosphere add the well-prepared, delicious Brazilian cuisine, fondues and flambeaus. The restaurant is open every day of the week.

The Solar do Rosario Hotel solidly constructed 19th century, belongs to a golden era and it pictures the unique "mineira" hospitality. Situated by the Rosario Square. The hotel provides you with a sauna and a nice swimming pool surrounded by an exciting landscape.

The Restaurant Le Coq d' Or specialises in Brazilian dishes with well-selected wines.

The Solar da Ponte has many characteristics of a large country house in a rural setting and is part of Tiradentes' historic centre. A few minutes´ walk from the baroque churches, winding streets and many restaurants of the former "Vila de São José". The hotels' gardens, pool, library and comfortable rooms offer a quiet environment to unwind and a convenient base from which to visit the surrounding historic towns. Part of the old Gold Route - the "Estrada Real" - Tiradentes offer handcraft and country trails for excursions by car or bicycle, on foot or horseriding.

At Solar da Ponte no two rooms are the same: Standard and Superior in the old building, and Mássimo in a new wing perfectly integrated with the main building. Breakfast, afternoon tea and use of the pool and sauna are included.
The rooms are all elegantly and comfortably furnished in classic colonial style.

At 3,000 feet, Tiradentes is blessed with a mild climate; the summer nights are usually cool, July nights can approach freezing. Fans are available for the warmer nights and heaters in winter.

STANDARD: Fully equipped with private facilities, refrigerator, 14" television, and adequate wardrobe and drawer space. Those on the top floor (two easy flights of stairs) have a sloping roof with plenty of headroom, except by the windows. These rooms are smaller but being higher have fine views. Average area about 25 sq. metres.

SUPERIOR: One room on the ground floor, communicating with the varanda, two on the first floor, at the same level as the breakfast room, and one on the top floor, have more space and larger windows and 20" television. Fully equipped with private facilities, both categories look over trees in the garden or in the village. Average area about 32 sq. metres.

MÁSSIMO: Five rooms in the new wing look out through large windows to our private garden which ensures privacy and silence. All the bathrooms are fitted with showers; one, slightly larger, has a large soapstone bath and a fireplace. The other four have painted "gamela" ceilings adding to the feeling of space. A cupboard contains the 29" television. Average area about 40 sq. metres.