Historic Town of Ouro Preto

欧鲁普雷图历史名镇

🇮🇹 Brazil📅 1980 Inscribed

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Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto (Black Gold) was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil’s golden age in the 18th century. With the exhaustion of the gold mines in the 19th century, the city’s influence declined but many churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity and the exceptional talent of the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.

Insight I

A town developed during the colonial-era gold rush. Its early decline helped preserve complete Portuguese colonial architecture.

Tremendous wealth from mining attracted architects, sculptors, painters, composers, and poets—leading to a Baroque revival known as “Barroco Mineiro.”

Insight II

Birthplace of the failed Brazilian independence movement Inconfidência Mineira. Its leader, Tiradentes, was executed. His death anniversary later became Brazil’s national holiday.