Do you need another reason to visit Ouro Preto?
(If you are in search
of stone pots sold in the market or clay pots sold on the side of the road, not
to mention the incredible farm-style wooden kitchen items and art carvings –
you know who you are.)
The small, quiet and historic town of Mariana is located
just 12 kilometers from Ouro Preto (OP). Founded in 1696, Mariana is one of the
oldest towns in Minas Gerais. The architecture and fantabulous churches tell a
tale much like that of Ouro Preto, but without the tourist crush. This is a
great day trip from OP, including a quiet lunch.
Admittedly, the place mostly boasts an over run of Baroque
churches, but they do, in fact each offer an interesting appeal. When Luiz and
I visited we went to the main square and prepared to start our blind walking
tour of discovery. Just then a small boy appeared from nowhere and offered to
take us around and explain the history of the multiple churches and early
government buildings. So cute! He even spoke some basic English - enough to
charm us into taking his personal assistance.
If you are so lucky as to be spotted by a freelance pre-teen
tour guide, go for it. We learned a lot of fun information and were even made privy
to some historic as well as current town gossip. When all was said and done
(close to two hours later) we took the boy to lunch with us and gave him R$10 for
his services (he had not asked for anything).
On the road between OP and Mariana is an old gold mine that
is open for tours (rickety rusted bucket ride down into the mine no extra
charge). This is well worth a stop, especially if you have kids.
Here is the city tourism website for more info. All the
photos in this post were taken by Luiz.
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