Ouro Prêto

Originally called Vila Rica, or Rich Town, when it was founded in 1711. An adventurer and explorer named António Diaz found ore at the end of the 17th century. When the gold rush began, Vila Rica began as a base for the mining of the rich veins of gold and diamonds in the area, Ouro Preto send untold wealth back to Europe.

The town was built on steep hills in typical colonial fashion of whitewashed adobe and red tile roofs. In this view, you can see the towers of two of the many churches in Ouro Preto.

Located about 210 miles north of Rio de Janeiro and 97 miles southeast of Belo Horizonte, to date Ouro Prêto hasn't been on the tourist trail, but is well worth a visit to see a colonial town with fabulous baroque architecture and the oldest goold mine in Brazil.