Best things to do in Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto Essentials

Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves the architectural legacy of Brazil's 18th-century gold rush. This collection features the masterpieces of sculptor Aleijadinho, including the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi and the historic Praça Tiradentes. Visitors can explore the depths of the Mina du Veloso, view extensive mineral collections at the School of Mines, and visit the Casa da Ópera, the oldest functioning theater in the Americas. These landmarks trace the city's evolution from a mining hub to the center of the Inconfidência Mineira independence movement.

Ouro Preto Essentials — Map

Diogo Menichelli / CC-BY-SA

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Praça Tiradentes

The city's central square marks the spot where the head of independence martyr Tiradentes was displayed in 1792. It is flanked by the former Governor's Palace and the Museum of the Inconfidência.

enioprado / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Museu da Inconfidência

Museu da Inconfidência or Museum of the Inconfidência is a history museum dedicated to those who died in a failed rebellion movement…

Erikson Verissimo / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a Rococo Catholic church in Ouro Preto, Brazil.

Regina Giovanini Geraldino / CC-BY-SA

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Our Lady of the Pillar Mother Church

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, popularly called the Our Lady of the Pillar Mother Church, is one…

Luis Rizo / Public domain

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Casa dos Contos

Built between 1782 and 1784, this former tax office and foundry house now serves as a museum. It features a collection of historical currency and preserved colonial slave quarters in the basement.

Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / CC BY 2.0

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Feira de Artesanato - Pedra Sabão

An open-air market located in front of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. Local artisans sell traditional soapstone carvings, including cookware, decorative boxes, and religious sculptures.

Ricardo André Frantz / CC BY 3.0

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Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

A Rococo church designed by Manuel Francisco Lisboa with later modifications by his son, Aleijadinho. The interior features ornate altars and rare panels of Portuguese glazed tiles.

Josue Marinho / CC BY 3.0

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Casa da Ópera

Opened in 1770, this is the oldest active theater in Latin America. The building features a classic horseshoe-shaped auditorium and has hosted performances for over two centuries.

Denise Grassano Ortenzi / CC-BY-SA

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Mina du Veloso

An 18th-century gold mine featuring approximately 400 meters of accessible tunnels. Guided tours explain colonial extraction methods and the history of enslaved labor in the region.

Diogo Menichelli / CC-BY-SA

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Mirante do Morro São Sebastião

A high-altitude viewpoint providing a panoramic look over Ouro Preto’s hilly landscape, highlighting the concentrated collection of Baroque church towers and colonial red-tiled roofs.

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Museu de Ciência e Técnica da Escola de Minas

Located in the former Governor's Palace, this museum contains one of the world's largest mineralogical collections, alongside exhibits on mining history, astronomy, and metallurgy.

Denise Grassano Ortenzi / CC-BY-SA

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Museu do Oratório

This museum displays a unique collection of over 160 domestic oratories and religious figurines, showcasing the private devotional practices of colonial Brazil across various social classes.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

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Igreja Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia

Known as Mercês de Cima, this 18th-century church sits on a hill overlooking the city. It features a simplified Baroque facade and is a focal point for Holy Week processions.

Ricardo André Frantz / CC BY 3.0

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Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

One of the city’s earliest mother churches, it serves as the burial site for the sculptor Aleijadinho. The building also houses a museum dedicated to his life and sacred works.

Other Lists

Historic Churches of Ouro Preto Historic Museums & Heritage Nature and Viewpoints