Where is Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, Brazil?

Ouro Preto ( Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈoɾu ˈpɾetu], Black Gold ), formerly Vila Rica ( Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈvilɐ ˈhikɐ], Rich Town ), is a city in and former capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, a former colonial mining town located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains and designated a World Heritage site…

What kind of jewelry can you buy in Ouro Preto?

Jewelry made of local precious and semi-precious gemstones (such as hematite) can also be found for sale. Ouro Preto is also a university town with an intense student life.

What was the Inconfidencia Mineira in Ouro Preto?

In 1789, Ouro Preto became the birthplace of the Inconfidência Mineira, a failed attempt to gain independence from Portugal. The leading figure, Tiradentes, was hanged as a threat to any future revolutionaries. In 1876, the Escola de Minas (Mines School) was created.

How many districts are there in Ouro Preto?

The city has twelve districts: Amarantina, Antônio Pereira, Cachoeira do Campo, Engenheiro Correia, Glaura, Lavras Novas, Miguel Burnier, Santa Rita, Santo Antônio do Leite, Santo Antônio do Salto, São Bartolomeu and Rodrigo Silva. Rivers: sources for the Velhas, Piracicaba, Gualaxo do Norte, Gualaxo do Sul, Mainart e Ribeirão Funil.

When was Villa Rica de Ouro Preto founded?

Villa Rica de Ouro Preto (19th century). Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto (meaning Black Gold) was originally called Vila Rica, or “Rich Town”, the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil ‘s golden age in the 18th century under Portuguese rule.

Where to find the imperial topaz in Ouro Preto?

The imperial topaz is a stone only found in Ouro Preto. Soapstone handicraft items are a popular souvenir among tourists, and can be found in many shops in the town centre and street fairs. Jewelry made of local precious and semi-precious gemstones (such as hematite) can also be found in abundance for sale.

Where to find souvenirs in Ouro Preto?

Soapstone handicraft items are a common souvenir among tourists, and can be found in many shops in the town centre and street fairs. Jewelry made of local precious and semi-precious gemstones (such as hematite) can also be found for sale.