Ouro Preto: Brazil's Hidden Colonial Treasure

June 21, 2026

Ouro Preto: Brazil’s Hidden Colonial Treasure

Ouro Preto sits just under 400km north of Rio de Janeiro nestled in the Serra do Espinhaço moutains. This historic town boasts well preserved Portuguese baroque architecture, a rich history, steep cobbled streets and old colonial mines. One of Brazils best kept secrets, Ouro Preto, a UNESCO world heritage site, sits off the beaten track of many tourist destinations and should be on every travellers list.

History

Founded in the 17th century and originally named Vila Rica, meaning ‘Rich Town’ or ‘Rich Village’ which is quite fitting considering that was to come. Our Preto was renamed ‘Black Gold’ following the discovery of gold in the late 17th century. Given its name due to the black layer of iron oxide coating the gold. Making the town the epicentre of Brazils gold Ruch and golden age in the 18th century whilst still under Portuguese rule.

At the time the now UNESCO world heritage site was one of the most populated cities in Latin America. With around 40,000 people residing there in 1730 and 80,000 by 1750. In comparison New York had less than half that population at that time.

Around 800 tons of gold were exported form Brazil to portugal in the 18th century. But thats only was was officially recorded, this doesn’t include anything that may have been distributed illegally or even what remained in Brazil. That’s a lot of gold.

Architecture

Offering an insight into brazils colonial history and gold rush era. Featuring colonial and baroque architecture, thirteen 18th and 19th century churches decorated in gold from the region. Long and steep cobbled streets lead the way up to the main square where Church of saint Frances of Assisi and Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel are found.

Our Preto Opera House is considered by many as the oldest working opera house in the americas. Its colonial design was made to resemble Italian theatres of the time. Built in 1770 it still hosts plays, musicals and concerts to this day. You can pay a small sum of roughly 7 Brazilian real which is around 1 GBP to tour the building.