Ouro Preto

Out of all the excellent colonial cities scattered throughout Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is the jewel of the crown. The history of the city begins in the late 17th century, when an anonymous adventurer found curious dark stones (dark gold with a layer of palladium) and started one of the greatest gold rushes in the history of humanity. There is art and architecture everywhere, including some of Aleijadinho’s best works. The city is a showcase of the outstanding artist from Minas Gerais.