Adelaide's Travel Notes - Brazil

Brazil
Tiradentes

Tiradentes, in the state of Minas Gerais, emerged at the beginning of the 18th century, with the discovery of gold in the region. After the proclamation of Republic, the former city of São José received its current name, in homage to the martyr of the movement against Portuguese domination.

The city's historical center was registered as a National Historical Heritage site in 1938 and thus Tiradentes preserved its beautiful colonial architecture, stone-paved roads and barroque churches.

The Church of Santo Antonio, from where we have a view of the city, was built in the first half of the 18th century. Its carved wooden altars are richly decorated with gold. The façade was redone in 1810 in accordance with the design of Antonio Francisco Lisboa, nicknamed Aleijadinho, the master of barroque art in Brazil.

Other highlights of the church are the organ, brought from Portugal, and the sun dial made of soapstone.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary was also built in the first half of the 18th century. It was the church of the slaves, who built it at night.

The Fountain of São José was built in 1749 in soapstone. The water, coming by aqueduct from a nearby woods, spurts from carved faces and was used to supply houses, while laundresses and horses used its side basins. In a niche there is an image of St Joseph, original from the 18th century.

The Santuary of the Holy Trinity is from the beginning of the 19th century. Less luxurious than the Church, it pleased me a lot. There were birds flying and chirping in its interior.

Tiradentes has many other old churches and chapels, most of which do not open everyday. In the image to the left, the Church of Our Lady of the Mercies.

Links
Tiradentes, by Brazilian Historical Towns
Tiradentes, by Minas in the World
Tiradentes - Guia Virtual, by Helbert Ramalho and Lisiane Ferreira (in Portuguese)
Tiradentes - Cidade Histórica Mineira (in Portuguese)
Guia Tiradentes (in Portuguese)