OURO PRETO

Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto (meaning Black Gold in Portuguese) was originally called Vila Rica, or "rich village," the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil's golden age in the 18th century under Portuguese rule. The city is a masterpiece of colonial Brazilian architecture and art and was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Here the intricate details of the buildings and artwork clearly reflect the originality and autonomy of the craftsmen and artists who created the Brazilian baroque style. The paintings of Manuel da Costa Athaíde and the sculptures of Antônio Francisco Lisboa (known as Aleijadinho) are living examples of this period of enormous creative i...