Travel Guide Ouro Preto

The pleasure of strolling through the cobbled streets of Ouro Preto, former state capital and world heritage site, is almost enough to justify a trip to Brazil. Situated at an altitude of 1,180 metres, the ancient Vila Rica of Ouro Preto is regularly ranked as one of the continent's most beautiful colonial towns by the world's most prestigious tourism magazines. Built by African slaves, it was the first major metropolis of the gold cycle and still boasts the richest architectural ensemble of the Brazilian Baroque period. The colonial houses are the same as in Paraty, with their spacious second floors and windows framed by fine wrought-iron railings, but there are infinitely more of them. Then there's the charm of mountain villages. Steep, cobbled streets and white churches highlighted in ochre dominate every hillside. The church of São Francisco de Assis, sculpted by the precise hammers of Aleijadinho, and painted by his colleague Athaïde, is striking for the purity of its lines. Yet, like the state of Minas, the city is also active and looking to the future. Ouro Preto, with its mining school founded by a Frenchman, is a renowned university center in Brazil. The rugged topography and mountain backdrop complete this cinematic setting.