Treasures of Art, History, and Religion
In time, Ouro Preto's gold ran out, and then its importance declined. But the town retained some artifacts and other reminders of its history. Some of these are easily found in the Inconfidencia Museum, located at Praca Tiradentes. Formerly used as a town hall and prison, the museum keeps the memories of art, history, and the town's tragedy alive.
The displays include Tiradente's death warrant, issued by Dona Maria I, and pieces of the gallows used for his execution. Under masonry slabs, laid out in a row like beds in a dormitory, are buried remains of some of Tiradente's fellow conspirators. On another floor the rooms safeguard antique, colonial, and imperial furnishings.
Gemstone Utopia
A walk on the upper end of Praca Tiradentes leads to another treasure chest-the Governor's Palace, which used to accommodate governors and State presidents. Presently, it houses the Escola de Minas, a school for advanced studies in mine engineering, geology, and metallurgy. The school's museum majestically showcases an outstanding collection of 20,000 samples of 3,000 different types of minerals, gemstones, crystals and, of course, 0uro preto, black gold.
Gold is no longer a major resource today. Nevertheless, the region continues to yield aquamarine and emerald beryls and yellow imperial topaz. Some 50 years ago, the art of gem cutting was known only to a handful of experts. But today there are clusters of free lance gem hunters and jewelry stores around Praca Tiradentes. The store managers will not only give you a lesson in identifying the gemstones but also introduce you to the gem cutters and polishers working in the back rooms. They, in turn, are pleased to show you how the cutting is done. This gesture of hospitality reflects the townsfolk's feeling of being privileged to live in a town with a fascinating history.
If you planning to visit Brazil, make sure that a stroll through photogenic Ouro Preto is included in your travel plans.
Next time: HOW TO DEAL WITH BURNOUT
From the Awake! magazine
The displays include Tiradente's death warrant, issued by Dona Maria I, and pieces of the gallows used for his execution. Under masonry slabs, laid out in a row like beds in a dormitory, are buried remains of some of Tiradente's fellow conspirators. On another floor the rooms safeguard antique, colonial, and imperial furnishings.
Gemstone Utopia
A walk on the upper end of Praca Tiradentes leads to another treasure chest-the Governor's Palace, which used to accommodate governors and State presidents. Presently, it houses the Escola de Minas, a school for advanced studies in mine engineering, geology, and metallurgy. The school's museum majestically showcases an outstanding collection of 20,000 samples of 3,000 different types of minerals, gemstones, crystals and, of course, 0uro preto, black gold.
Gold is no longer a major resource today. Nevertheless, the region continues to yield aquamarine and emerald beryls and yellow imperial topaz. Some 50 years ago, the art of gem cutting was known only to a handful of experts. But today there are clusters of free lance gem hunters and jewelry stores around Praca Tiradentes. The store managers will not only give you a lesson in identifying the gemstones but also introduce you to the gem cutters and polishers working in the back rooms. They, in turn, are pleased to show you how the cutting is done. This gesture of hospitality reflects the townsfolk's feeling of being privileged to live in a town with a fascinating history.
If you planning to visit Brazil, make sure that a stroll through photogenic Ouro Preto is included in your travel plans.
Next time: HOW TO DEAL WITH BURNOUT
From the Awake! magazine
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