Blogs from Tiradentes, Minas Gerais, Brazil, South America

The Portuguese accomplished their greatest feat of architectural and artistic splendor in all of Brazil when they created Ouro Prêto. The colonial mother ship to which all roads lead, Ouro Prêto is the epicenter of Brazil’s historic and academic identity. Nestled in valleys and climbing distant hills, it embodies all the best a traveler from abroad could expect. Ouro Prêto ranks among the top historic cities in the entire Western hemisphere. “Beautiful” doesn’t begin to describe it. The city has it all: The cobblestone alleyways, glowing incandescent street lanterns, rectangular squares laden with fountains, colorful shutters that frame painted wooden doorways, and a feel that you are truly in, or have never left Portugal. Volumes have been written about Minas’ pièce de résistance. It behooves any who come to Brazil to see it with his or ... read more

The echoing sound from an approaching galloping horse splits the tranquil night air in Tiradentes. I doubt there is a more striking sensation than the thundering clap of iron horseshoes fiercely striking hard slabs of red and grey cobblestones. The riderless animal disappears ahead into the mist as quickly as it approached, leaving in its wake only a fading echo. Tiradentes is a carefully preserved, colorful, and bumpy colonial showpiece of Minas Gerais that not only lives up to, but surpasses expectations. It is concealed among craggy hilltops often enveloped in morning clouds. Its perfectly situated churches framed by flowering trees and courtyards create a supremely blissful scene. There is no need to explore further; the setting has already delivered its full impact. I casually dismiss the art emporiums, French restaurants, boutiques, and horse-and-buggy tours. Even ... read more