Tiradentes

Tiradentes is a small town with only 6300 inhabitants. Tiradentes was founded in 1702 but it was soon overshadowed by the neighbouring São João del Rey. Tiradentes looks as if the 18th century is still lasting. A local law requires that all new houses in Tiradentes are built in the baroque style of Minas Gerais (Barroco Mineiro). This effectively protects the character of this town and it also prevents that Tiradentes becomes a big city after all.

Tiradentes is a quiet place on weekdays but it fills up with people during the weekends as many Brazilians like to spend a weekend in Tiradentes.

Getting there
Tiradentes lays at a stone’s throw from another historical city of Minas Gerais, São João del Rey . From São João del Rey, Tiradentes can be reached by bus.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, one can go to Tiradentes with an antique steam train departing from São João del Rey. The railway dates from the 19th century. It is one of the first railways in Brazil and it is the only railway in the world that has a gauge of 76 cm. The trains that are in use today date from the 1930-ties. You can take this train at the Estação Ferroviária at the Avenida Hermílio Alves in São João del Rey at 10.00 hours or at 15.00 hours. The train from Tiradentes to São João del Rey leaves at 13.00 hours and at 17.00 hours.

Attractions
Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio

The Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio was built between 1710 and 1730, during the short time that Tiradentes was more important than neighbouring São João del Rey. This large church is an early example of Brazilian baroque. Gold was abundantly available during the first years after its discovery in Minas Gerais. This church was lavishly decorated with gold after 1732.

Venue : Rua Padre Toledo
Open : 9.00 hours – 17.00 hours

Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos
The Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos was built between 1708 and 1719. It was a church for slaves, freed slaves and descendants of slaves. The labour intensive mining of gold was mainly done by slaves. A population survey from 1808 reveals that 83% of the population of Tiradentes was black or of mixed race. This church is less extravagantly decorated than the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio. There are two African saints in this church.

Open : Wednesdays till Mondays. 12.00 - 16.00 hours.