Ouro Preto

Vila Rica do Ouro Preto is a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ouro Preto is a former colonial mining town located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Related Topics:
Minas Gerais - Brazil - Mining - Serra do Espinhaço mountains - World Heritage Site - UNESCO

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Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto (meaning Black Gold) was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil's golden age in the 18th century.

Related Topics:
17th century - Brazil - 18th century

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The city contains well preserved colonial architecture, with few signs of modern urban life. Churches decorated with gold and the works of Aleijadinho make Ouro Preto a popular tourist destination.

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In 1789, Ouro Preto was the starting point of the Inconfidência Mineira, a failed attempt to break from Portugal and form a Brazilian republic.

Related Topics:
1789 - Inconfidência Mineira - Portugal - Brazilian - Republic

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Ouro Preto was capital of Minas Gerais from 1822 until 1897, when the government moved to the new and planned city of Belo Horizonte.

Related Topics:
1822 - 1897 - Belo Horizonte

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