Ouro Preto was the first Brazilian cultural property to be added to the World Heritage List, on September 5, 1980. The historic city combines this cultural heritage with museums, churches and natural sites. When planning your trip, it is worth prioritizing your interests: a collection or church visit will lead to different discoveries than a longer guided tour or a stay in a nature park.

World Heritage, Museums and Historic Collections

The Museu da Inconfidência opened in 1944 in the former Casa de Câmara e Cadeia de Ouro Preto. It preserves, researches and presents objects and documents relating to the Inconfidência Mineira. Its collection includes 4,000 historical and artistic objects. This makes a visit particularly interesting if you want to explore the history and material records of the Inconfidência Mineira.

The Museu Aleijadinho displays works attributed to Aleijadinho, including wooden “leões de essa,” a polychrome soapstone figure of São Francisco de Paula, and the Crucificado. The Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, considered one of Aleijadinho’s major works and home to paintings by Mestre Ataíde, offers another way to engage with the art. Together, the museum and church provide different starting points for exploring Aleijadinho’s work and the art of Ouro Preto.

Admission to the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Pilar also allows a visit to the Museu de Arte Sacra in the basement. As visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them in advance. The Museu Boulieu – Caminhos da Fé houses more than 2,000 pieces collected by Maria Helena and Jacques Boulieu. Educational and entertainment offerings introduce visitors to history and culture; the specific program may vary.

Churches, Mines and Nature

The Mina do Chico Rei can also be planned as a longer activity: a two- to four-hour guided tour through additional mine shafts is offered, with detailed explanations. The duration and availability may change, so check the latest information before your visit. The gold mines of Ouro Preto illustrate how gold was extracted during the colonial period.

Waterfalls, natural pools and viewpoints are part of the landscape at Parque Natural Municipal das Andorinhas. The park also has barbecue areas, sports courts and opportunities for sport climbing. Since information about visitor facilities may change, check the latest details in advance. Those looking to include nature alongside historic collections will find a different kind of excursion here.

Parque Natural Municipal Horto dos Contos was founded in 1799 and is home to Brazil’s second-oldest botanical garden. Its long history makes it a destination in its own right, offering a contrast to the museums and religious buildings.

Festivals and Routes

Semana Santa in Ouro Preto is marked by processions, concerts and traditional ornamental carpets laid out in the streets of the historic center. The annual program may vary; if you plan to time your trip around the festival, check the dates and program in advance.

The Caminhos de São Tiago route begins in the municipality of Ouro Preto and leads to São Tiago. It can be traveled on foot, by bicycle, on horseback, by vehicle or by motorcycle.

Further afield in the region, the Rota Turística Jaguara passes through rural areas in the municipalities of Itabirito, Rio Acima, Ouro Preto and Santa Bárbara. The circular route includes local cuisine prepared for visitors, among other things; offerings may change. This regional route is therefore an option for travelers who want to explore cuisine and rural areas in the named municipalities in addition to Ouro Preto.

Getting Your Bearings and Traveling There

Praça Tiradentes is considered the city’s most iconic postcard view and a starting point for exploring the historic center of Ouro Preto. It offers a clear landmark if you want to begin your sightseeing here.

Ouro Preto can be reached by car via highways BR-040 and BR-356. Regular bus services connect the city with Belo Horizonte; check current timetables before departure. This lets you plan your journey separately from your choice of activities, then decide whether to look for a holiday rental suited primarily to a cultural stay or to a trip that also includes an interest in nature and routes.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Engenheiro Correia, Varginha, Ibirité, Centralina, Piranguçu, Fronteira, Água Comprida, Belo Vale.

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.