In the seventeenth century, the discovery of gold and precious stones in the region now called Minas Gerais favored the construction of buildings and many churches Baroque style coloniane. Cities such as Ouro Preto, Tiradentes and Diamantina preserve the architecture and atmosphere of that time.

Congonhas

Heritage, the city retains the 12 biblical prophets carved stone soap Aleijadinho, in the courtyard of the Basilica Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinhos also a treasure of Brazilian architecture. Pay attention to the perfection of the prophet Daniel, the one with a lion at his feet.

Diamantina

And 'the music capital of Minas Gerais. In addition to Vesperata, when the musicians of the city is putting in their balconies to present folk songs, or there always someone who plays in the streets or singing in churches. Beautiful and well preserved, Diamantina is also the city's legendary former slave Chica da Silva and former President Juscelino Kubitschek.

São João del Rei

Has as a strong beautiful church São Francisco de Assis with the elegant garden of imperial palms. make the road between São João del Rei and Tiradentes with maria-Fumaça (steam train): the railway runs along the Rio das Mortes.

Tiradentes

A city that fascinates all of a sudden. Both for the peace, climbing and descending, irregular stones, churches coloniani or carriages: everything is romantic. Reserve a bit 'of time for a trip with maria-Fumaça up to São João del Rei, with a guide that tells the story of the railroad.

Ouro Preto

And 'the old town of Vila Rica, with its ups and downs is the largest area of ​​Brazilian baroque architecture. Choose your shoes and go walking around the city. Do not miss the ride up to maria-Fumaça Mariana and Ouro Preto a visit to the theater, the oldest in Brazil and now fully restored.

Marian

Is only 12 km from Ouro Preto and is the oldest mining town, also the first state capital. Vai to know the historical center on foot, there is the Basilica Catedral da Sé, one of the richest in Brazil. Another interesting around to do it by la Mina de ouro Passagem, deactivated in 1985 is one of the largest mines in the world open to the public.

Suggested routes

In runs 2 days on foot to Ouro Preto and reserves a bit 'of time for the churches of Mariana.

In 1 week is the ideal time to learn about Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Congonhas.

Also avail in 2 weeks to get the beautiful Tiradentes and São João del Rei. Make the trip by steam train for the emissions of São José.

In 1 month reserve at least 2 days to know Diamantina, north of the capital BH. In the capital admires the works of architect Oscar Niemeyer's Pampulha around the lagoon.