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| Ouro Preto |
| Ouro Preto is the most well-known of the colonial towns of Minas Gerais, and for good reason. Originally named "Vila Rica de Ouro Preto," (Rich Villa of Black Gold), this town served as the wealthy capital of the gold mining region. The mountainous terrain and lovely colonial architecture make for a wonderful setting. |
| The building above is the Museu da Inconfidencia Mineira (the "Museum of the Minera Conspiracy" in which Tiradentes participated. The building used to be the judicial building and prison. It now holds a number of items from the 18th century, including some of Tiradentes' personal belongings. One of these was a copy of U.S. Revolutionary writings in French that Tiradentes had owned. |
| To the left you see us standing at the entrance to the mine of Chico Rei, an African prince brought to work in the mine who bought his freedom, then that of his son and some members of his tribe. Eventually, he bought the mine itself. Now you can go down into the mine, which was dug completely by hand. |
| We also visited a larger gold mine, constructed with the use of explosives. It held a large underground lake and many huge caverns. To enter the mine, you have to ride way down on a mining cart (See below). |
| To go to the next page of photos click HERE. |