We are now in Tiradentes (tooth puller), one of the towns which became rich in the gold rush in Brazil. After the gold was gone, the town was pretty well forgotten and then rediscovered 20 years ago so it is well preserved. It is a lovely small colonial town that is quite quiet right now as it is mid week. It has an old town with a main square surrounded by well kept and preserved colonial whitewashed buildings with colourful trim. There are many churches, yes, believe it or not!
The area is Minas Gerais (general mines). The area is rich with minerals (gold, pretty well gone, Iron, and gems).
The most impressive church, Matriz de Santo Antonio, is at the top of the hill and was built in many stages. Its interior is full of gold leaf covered carvings. The front of the church is very baroque and the back half of the church is roccoco (sp?) which is very colourful and whimsical. The church was built before there was a Bishop who had to approve of the plans, so it has many carvings which you would not usually see in a Catholic church.
Unfortunately, no pictures. There were many more churches, for the rich and famous and the not so famous rich, the poor, the slaves, and the non catholics. I think there are 10 churches for 5000 people!
The streets are cobblestone, which makes for interesting walking. I think that I will invest in a garage that handles shock absorbers and suspensions for cars. The delivery trucks bounce along, which is quite disconcerting since they carry Coke and beer! Dan opened a beer today that erupted like a volcano, I wonder why?
The whole area is quite beautiful with rolling hills and little towns full of artisans making the neatest carvings and metalwork. An artist from Sao Paulo moved here many years ago and started making colourful carvings, which everyone copies. He then moves on to something else, which everyone copies again. They are very colourful and big, Hew, you would love it.
We are staying at a lovely Inn which dates back to the colonial days, Solar de Ponte. It has lovely gardens and a swimming pool, the only problem is the cars bumping along the cobblestones coming up the hill make a horrible racket at 7 in the morning. An Englishman owns it, he came to Tiradentes (named after a hero in the revolution to free the area from the Portuguese rule) 30 years ago and fell in love with the area, so he started this Inn, it is a truly lovely place. Beautiful gardens, painted ceilings, great caiparinhas and wonderful staff.
We had a great hike (yes, Dan hiked) up to the top of the hill for beautiful views of the area. Rolling hills dotted with towns and farms with red tiled roofs. Off to Ouro Preto (black gold) tomorrow, we have an early start , so good night.
We would love to hear from you
Kim and Dan
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