Gold Rush Cities in Minas Gerais. Explore the gold rush cities of Minas Gerais with their churches & glorious colonial architecture

Tiradentes was among the earliest settlements in Minas Gerais,  with large numbers of African slaves attracted by the gold strikes during the first decade of the eighteenth century. The prosperity that followed funded the gracefully decorated Baroque churches, stately public buildings and handsome private homes. Tiradentes inhabitants are excellent at crafting; on offer are objects made of wood, soapstone, brass, diverse textiles, silver and other materials. 

Enjoy a guided tour of Tiradentes today visiting the Church of Santo Antonio, Museum of Padre Toledo and the Fountain of São José das Botas. We continue to São João del Rei, founded in 1703, when gold was discovered in the area. Being at the junction of the various roads that cut across the interior on the Capitania, São João has always fulfilled important functions, such as the political centre and commercial axis of the region. Significant urban and religious architecture developed there, accumulating an excellent cultural heritage including  churches of Pilar and São Francisco de Assis church. On the weekends you can ride a 19th century steam train, the Maria Fumaça. 

Today we drive to Ouro Preto, with a stop at the baroque city of Congonhas Do Campo. Here, enjoy a stroll round its well preserved old city centre and perhaps visit the impressive basilica, commissioned by a Portuguese adventure and completed in 1775. Continue to Ouro Preto and check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. 

Ouro Preto is built on a series of steep hills, full of churches and steeped in fascinating history. The cobblestone streets lead you past decorative fountains, statues, charming churches and mansions. The city is famous for its past enveloped in gold. 

Today enjoy a guided tour of Ouro Preto visiting the Sao Francisco de Paulo Church where you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Ouro Preto. Continue to Sao Francisco de Assis church and the Oratorio Museum. We also visit the Mineralogy Museum, Pilar Church, the Theatre and the Inconfidentes Museum.