Estrada Real

From the second half of the eighteenth century, there was a decline in mineral production in the captaincy of Minas Gerais, the main source of gold mining in Brazil at the time, that led to an increase of fiscal policy and local dissatisfaction with the crown which culminated in a failed independence movement in 1789.

The original road — Caminho Velho — began in Paraty and went north through the towns of São João del-Rei, Tiradentes, Coronel Xavier Chaves, Congonhas, Itatiaia (today a district of Ouro Branco) and, ultimately, Vila Rica (today's Ouro Preto).

The road was extended northward through Mariana, Catas Altas, Santa Bárbara, Barão de Cocais, Ipoema (today a district of Itabira), Conceição do Mato Dentro, Serro, São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras (today a district of Serro), and, at the northernmost point, Diamantina.

The towns along the Estrada Real were opulent in the days of gold and diamonds, but by the end of the 18th century, the minerals became more scarce and the local economy declined.

The tourism initiative is educating people to retain their traditional ways and preserve the Baroque architecture of their old churches and government buildings.