Hotels in Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto: Baroque Capital of the Brazilian Highlands

Ouro Preto sits 1,179 metres above sea level in the Iron Quadrangle of Minas Gerais, roughly 97 km southeast of Belo Horizonte. Founded in 1711 as the colonial capital of a gold-rush territory, the city produced an estimated half of the world's gold output during the 18th century. That wealth funded 13 baroque churches, dozens of fountains, and the carved soapstone masterworks of sculptor Aleijadinho, whose work on the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis (completed 1810) draws art historians from across the Americas. UNESCO granted World Heritage status in 1980, making Ouro Preto one of Brazil's first listed sites.

Where to Stay

Accommodation concentrates around Praça Tiradentes, the historic central square, and along Rua Direita. The Pilar and Antônio Dias parishes offer guesthouses inside 18th-century townhouses. Student traffic from the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto keeps mid-range options consistent year-round.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Buses from Belo Horizonte's Rodoviária Tietê run roughly every 2 hours; journey time is about 2 hours.
• Terrain: Cobblestone streets are steep — pack footwear with grip.
• Best time: The Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions are among the largest in South America; book rooms 3–4 months ahead.
• Altitude: Light layers help at night even in summer months.