Ouro Preto Colonial Cities in Minas Gerais Holidays & Tailor-made Tours

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. 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.