Going to Ouro Preto (MG) and don’t know what to do? Here are some must-see churches and museums for you to understand the history and importance of figures like Aleijadinho, Mestre Athaíde, and Tiradentes to the region.
Are you ready for the tour? Put some strength in those legs – Ouro Preto has many slopes – and enjoy the visit!
• Matriz Church of Our Lady of Pilar: An example of Brazilian Baroque, the church has altars completely covered in gold (over 400 kilos were used), with impressive richness of carvings. The Museum of Sacred Art (another important attraction in the city) is located in the basement of the sacristy.
• Church of Saint Francis of Assisi: One of the masterpieces of artist Aleijadinho, in partnership with Mestre Athaíde. The former was the creator 
of the medallion that decorates the facade and the lavabo of the sacristy. Mestre Athaíde took 10 years to finish the ceiling of the nave, which mimics the sky and gives the impression of infinity.
• Matriz Church of Our Lady of Conception: Completed in 1746, the design of the eight side altars is by Manoel Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho’s father. Today, both are buried inside the church. It is currently undergoing restoration and is closed to visitors.
• Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: The Rococo-style church is located at the 
top of a staircase, also designed by Aleijadinho’s father, architect Manuel Francisco Lisboa, and features paintings by Mestre Athaíde.
• Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks: Unlike all the ecclesiastical buildings in the city, the Rosary of the Blacks has a rounded facade. The interior is much simpler than that of the other churches in the city, and what stands out the most are the altars dedicated to Black saints.
• Church of Father Faria/Our Lady of the Rosary of the Whites: It has a chapel-like appearance and seems simple, but don’t be fooled: the interior is completely lined with gold. Amidst all the gold, there are red details, indicating the influence of art brought by Chinese immigrants from Macau.
• Church of Saint Efigênia/Our Lady of the Rosary of Alto da Cruz: Located at the top of a staircase with a panoramic view of the city. Among the paintings on the ceiling, there is one of a Black pope, something that has never occurred in the history of the Catholic Church. Saint Efigênia is also one of the few churches in Ouro Preto that displays images of Black saints in its altars.
• Church of Saint Francis of Paula: Located at one of the highest points in the historic center, it is worth visiting just for the view of the city.
• Museum of Inconfidência: This museum operates in the building that was once the House of Chamber and Prison, in Tiradentes Square. Among the 16 rooms with thematic exhibitions, the Pantheon of Inconfidência stands out, which holds the remains of 16 conspirators – including relics of Tiradentes – and the collection of sacred art from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Museum of Oratory: This museum exhibits over 160 oratories, manufactured between the 16th and 20th centuries. There are portable oratories for travel, models for beggars, an Afro-Brazilian themed one, and even one shaped like a cannonball. Many of the artisans displayed in the museum are anonymous, but one piece – an image of Saint Joseph in Boots – is attributed to Aleijadinho.
By Ludmilla Balduino