Ouro Preto is a former gold-mining town in Minas Gerais, founded in the late 17th century and at the heart of Brazil's 18th-century golden age; its historic center was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 and is regarded as the finest ensemble of Brazilian Baroque. Along its steep cobbled streets sit 13 Baroque churches and more than 600 preserved 18th-century buildings, home to masterworks by the sculptor Aleijadinho and the painter Mestre Ataíde. As of 2026 the churches and museums remain open to visitors, with artisan markets and cultural festivals keeping this a living heritage town. Approach it as a walking pilgrimage through hillside churches and colonial squares rather than a single monument.
Church of São Francisco de Assis - widely considered Aleijadinho's masterpiece, with a carved soapstone façade and a ceiling painting by Mestre Ataíde.
Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar - the richest gilded Baroque interior in Brazil, adorned with an estimated 434 kg of gold.
Praça Tiradentes - the city's symbolic heart, framed by the Inconfidência Museum and the former School of Mines (now the Mineralogy Museum).
Museu da Inconfidência - housing the tomb of Tiradentes and over 4,000 pieces tied to the Inconfidência Mineira independence movement, including works by Ataíde and Aleijadinho.
The cobbled hillside lanes and skyline - the ridgeline streets and church bell towers form a townscape that is a sight in itself.
Good to know
RulesMost churches and museums close on Mondays. Opening hours vary by church and some shut over lunch (roughly noon–1pm), so confirm the latest hours before you go.
MannersPhotography and filming are generally prohibited inside churches and museums. Keep quiet as services may be in progress, and dress modestly since these are active religious sites.
SafetyThe cobblestones are steep and very slippery when wet; wear grippy walking or hiking shoes and consider taxis for the steepest stretches if you have knee or stamina concerns. At around 1,100 m altitude, climbs can be short of breath.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets in crowded spots such as Praça Tiradentes. After restaurants close at night, avoid quiet, poorly lit lanes alone and don't walk with your phone or camera in hand.
SeasonThe dry season (May–September) is best for walking. During the November–March rainy season, heavy downpours can cause landslides and road closures, so build slack into your schedule.
CautionBe wary of unofficial guides near church doors and of taxi overcharging. Agree on the fare in advance or confirm the meter/official rate, and pay church entrance fees at the ticket desk.
Practical info
Intercity buses (Util, Cometa and others) run frequently from Belo Horizonte's bus terminal, taking about 2 hours for roughly R$50 one way (verify fares and times). Ouro Preto's bus station sits at the edge of the historic center within walking distance, and church admission is modest (about R$1–5), but always confirm the latest hours and prices before visiting.
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