Shortly after its founding in 1698, Ouro Preto became the center of the greatest gold and silver rush in the Americas to that date. It still resembled a boom town when it was given city status in 1711 with the name Vila Rica. A decade later it became capital of Minas Gerais captaincy, which even today is one of the principal mineral extracting regions of Brasil. In late 1790's a group of intellectuals and professionals assembled here to plan Brazil's independence from Portugal. The movement known as Inconfidencia Mineira was promptly crushed by the Crown and its leader, a dentist, immortalized as Tiradentes (toothpooler), was executed and beheaded. His head was publicly displayed in the streets of Rio as a warning against those with similar views. In 1823, a year after Brazil's independence, Ouro Preto was named capital of Minas Gerais province. In 1897, however, because of transportation difficulties the capital was transferred to Belo Horizonte (40 miles [65 km] northwest).

Ouro Preto today lives largely in the past. In 1933 it was declared a national monument and the surrounding region a national park, so that the city's elaborate (mostly late 18th-century) public buildings, churches, and houses might be preserved or restored. The city has many extremely ornate (gold leafed) Baroque churches; religious architecture and sculpture reached its zenith during the mid 1700's under the skillful hands of Antonio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho ("Little Cripple"). The Church of Sao Francisco de Assis and the façade of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo are his masterpieces. Its museums and churches are rich and beautiful. Most recently Ouro Preto was used for the signing of the new economic treaty linking Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, known as Mercosul.

Notice that Ouro Preto is a city of valleys and hills; wear comfortable shoes, bring water. Most attractions close on Mondays. Some churches charge an admitance fee; some churches do not allow photos or filming.
There are many "tour guides" offering their services everywhere in town, but you should only hire people endorsed by the tourist offices.

Museu da Inconfidência. What used to be the city hall and jail (1785 - 1855), built with neoclassiocal touches, is today a museum which holds the mortal remains of the twelve rebels, a collection of religious art and copies of Aleijadinho's works.
Museu de Mineralogia and Escola de Minas. This building was erected in 1741 and served as the Governor's house until 1898. When the capital of the State was moved to Belo Horizonte, the building was turned into the School of Mining, and today houses the Musueum of Science and Technology and the Museum of Mineralogy. The internal fountain was designed by Aleijadinho.
Municipal Theater and Opera House. Built in 1769, this theather is in the shape of a lyre and has perfect acoustics. It's the oldest theater still open in Brazil. Open for visitation during the day, and for concerts in some evenings; there is a Winter Festival, in July.
Casa dos Contos. Contos was the name of Portuguese currency in colonial times. Between 1724 and 1735 this building served as the Mint, where gold was weighed and cast. It was also where the rebels of Inconfidência were imprisoned. One of the rebels, poet Cláudio Manoel da Costa, died here in 1789. As was usual, the lower part of the building served as slave quarters. This is one of the best preserved houses in Ouro Preto. It contains an exhibit of 18th and 19th century furniture and operates as a library and research center for the gold rush era.
The gold mines. There is no more gold, but the mines are still there and open to visitation. The most famous mine is the Chico Rei, excavated in the 18th century. The name means King Chico; the story goes that the mine belonged to a slave who had been a king in Africa and had money stashed to buy his freedom.

From Rio de Janeiro (capital) almost all the travel is by BR040 highway until Conselheiro Lafaiete. From this city you catch the old colonial Royal Route (now a paved road), through Ouro Branco until the destination Ouro Preto.

Those coming from the state of Espirito Santo follow BR262 highway until Rio Casca. From there the route is by MG329 road until Ponte Nova. From then on take MG262 road, passing by Mariana and arriving in Ouro Preto.

The visitors coming from southeastern Minas Gerais (north of Zona da Mata region) and northern Rio de Janeiro must drive to Viçosa (MG). From Viçosa catch BR120 road to Ponte Nova. From this city the trip goes on MG262 road until Ouro Preto.