Finally me and my wife decided to visit our family in Brazil.
We started from Belo Horizonte the modern capital of Minas Gerais state ( Minas Gerais is General Mines in English).
Minas Gerais territory is larger than France and Germany and is very rich by its minerals: iron, gold, silver, and beautiful stones.
Our family adviced us to visit Ouro Preto former capital of Minas Gerais.
Ouro Preto founded in 1698 during Gold Rush Period and was second capital of Minas Gerais after Mariana, founded in 1696- first capital of the captaincy of Minas Gerais for a short time.
Ouro Preto is a a masterpiece of Brazilian colonial architecture and is considered the cradle of the Brazilien nation because it was the principal focus of late eighteen century Independence movement inspired by Enlightenment ideas and the American revolution.
Highlights:
* Chuch of St.Francis of Assisi, designed by Aleijadinho, with wood and soap stone sculptures.
* Casa dos Cantos - impressive house of taxes collector
* Museum of the school of mines: a complete mineralogical view in Brazil
* Opera Theater first Opera Theater in the New World functional till today
* Church of Our Lady of the Pilar: a church that marked the culmination ogf Golden Age architecture, with carved works painted entirely in gold.
Before Ouro Preto we visit Mina da Passegem, the largest open to visit mine of gold in the world that keeps secrets and mysteries that enchant everyone.A trolley drives us to the underground galleries, which reach 315 meters in lenght and 120 meters in depth and which temperature varies between 17 to 20 C.The natural lake
( with crystal water with the same temperature opened for diving) inside the mine impresses everyone who sees it.
Since it foundation in the beginning of eighteen century approximately 35 tons of gold ( measured by authorities without smuggling ) have been extracted till 1985.
My advice is to stay in Belo Horizonte: Royal Savassi Boutigue Hotel www.royalsavassi.com.br
and use a local guide.
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