Brazil's Minas Gerais Colonial Cities
Minas Gerais Colonial Cities
This state, whose name, meaning General Mines, was inspired by the area’s great mineral wealth, lies in the spectacular beauty of Brazil’s central mountainous region. During the 18th century, the area’s vast precious metal reserves made Minas Gerais the de facto capital of the Portuguese colony. This period of gold, diamond, and semiprecious stone trading is memorialized in the historic towns that speckle the mountainous countryside, and remains a tremendous source of pride for the mineiros. This is one of the most laid back and conservative Brazilian states, and one will find the inhabitants most inviting.
Discover the wonders of the historical Gold Towns, Ouro Preto, Mariana and Tiradentes, or venture to the nearby highlights of Sao Joao, Sao Lourenco and Caxambu which hold splendors of a different variety.
