tiradentes Archives - Havas Creative Tours

Minas Gerais is a state steeped in history. Its historic cities, preserved over centuries, are true treasures of colonial Brazil, where the richness of the past meets the charm of the present. For those looking to take a journey back in time, the historic cities of Minas Gerais are an unmissable destination.

Ouro Preto: The Jewel of Brazilian Baroque

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ouro Preto is the ultimate symbol of the opulence of the Gold Rush. Its cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and museums hold stories of a colonial Brazil filled with struggles and achievements. The Church of São Francisco de Assis, with its architecture and works by Aleijadinho, is a highlight of any visit.

Tiradentes: Charm and Tradition

Small and cozy, Tiradentes enchants with its colonial charm and countryside atmosphere. The cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and irresistible local cuisine make this city a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and culture. Largo das Forras and the Matriz Church of Santo Antônio are must-see spots, along with horse-drawn carriage rides and visits to local craft studios.

Image Credit: Douglas Mendes

São João del-Rei: Where History Meets the Present

São João del-Rei is a city where the old and the modern coexist harmoniously. Founded in 1704, the city preserves its rich historical and cultural heritage, highlighted by its baroque churches and colonial mansions. The Church of São Francisco de Assis, designed by Aleijadinho, is one of the most beautiful in the state.

Image Credit: Halley Pacheco de Oliveira – Wikimedia Commons

Image Credit: Thais Andressa – Wikimedia Commons

Mariana: The First Capital of Minas Gerais

Mariana, the first city and capital of the state, is a place where history is present on every corner. Its colonial buildings, such as the Cathedral of the Sé and the Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, reflect the historical importance of the city. Mariana is also known for its gold mines, which can be explored through guided tours, offering a fascinating insight into colonial-era mining.

Image Credit: Gustavo Nacht

Image Credit: Raphael Gustavo Marques da Costa – Wikimedia Commons

Congonhas: The Legacy of Aleijadinho

Congonhas is famous for housing one of Aleijadinho’s greatest works: the Twelve Prophets, sculpted in soapstone, which adorn the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos. The city, an important pilgrimage destination, is an impressive example of baroque sacred art and the religious devotion that marked colonial Brazil.

Image Credit: Halleypo – Wikimedia Commons

Visiting the historic cities of Minas Gerais is more than just a tourist trip; it is an immersion in Brazil’s culture and history. Each city, with its unique personality, offers an unforgettable experience, rich in learning and beauty. Get ready to be enchanted by the legacy of Minas Gerais, where every street, church, and square tells a fundamental part of Brazilian history.

Historical and Charming City

Tiradentes – Minas Gerais

Tiradentes is open for tourism again! A historical city, with great art galleries, museums, architecture and restaurants. Because of the very low rate of new COVID-19 cases in Tiradentes, the city was allowed to receive visitors again.

Do you know Tiradentes?

Tiradentes’ baroque style is not as exquisite as Ouro Preto and São João Del Rei, but it is undoubtedly the most charming of the historical cities of Minas Gerais. Exceptionally preserved thanks to the decades of long isolation, the Baroque architectural ensemble of Tiradentes gathers jewels like the charming fountain of the São José Fountain, built in 1749 to supply the city with drinking water and which runs until today.

Also, standing out in the city is the majestic Church of San Antonio, second in amount of gold in Brasil, with its front built by the artist Antonio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho, and an organ brought from Portugal, in 1788. Largo das Forras, the central city square, houses the City Hall and numerous handicraft shops, restaurants and inns. It was here, in 1888, that slaves gathered to celebrate the end of slavery. At dusk, the light of the lanterns on the doors of restaurants, inns, antique shops and craft stores make the city even more charming, which has been the setting for movies, sitcoms and soap operas.