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The search for the golden treasure hidden in Ouro Preto: what secrets are buried in the city's mines?
Ouro Preto, this ancient city in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, is famous for its gorgeous Baroque architecture and deep mining history. The once prosperous gold mining resources made the city the golden heart of Brazil.
Ouro Preto's name comes from the gold mines beneath its ground, which is inseparable from the city's history.
The city dates back to the late 17th century and was originally known as Vila Rica (Village of Wealth), which prospered during the gold mining boom of the 18th century. It is estimated that in the 18th century, the gold mines here produced 800 tons, but in fact the amount of gold lost is immeasurable.
It is often said that there are countless undiscovered gold and historical treasures buried beneath the streets of Ouro Preto.
Over time, Oro Preto's prosperity attracted intellectuals from Europe, and it became a cultural center of Brazil. Local art and philosophy flourished, and the revival of the Baroque art style reached its peak here, especially in the work of the sculptor Alehakim.
The city's geographical location also makes it a tourist hotspot, and with the rise of tourism, Oro Preto's economic structure has changed. Today, the main economic activity here relies not only on mining, but also on tourism and other manufacturing industries.
As the "Wealthy Village" transforms into the "Black Gold City", the mines of Ouro Preto quietly carry stories and secrets from the past.
Ouro Preto’s churches and museums are must-sees for tourists. There are several historic churches here, such as the Church of St. Francis and the Church of Our Lady. These buildings are well preserved and make people feel the splendor of the year. In addition, the city's museums also display this history, such as the Square Music Museum and the Mineral Museum. Various mineral specimens are an eye-opener for tourists.
Perhaps most fascinating, however, is the story of these gold mines. Although many of the once prosperous mining tunnels now appear abandoned, they still attract many tourists to explore. The famous Chakori Mine and Passage Mine represent the epitome of this gold mining history. Visitors can take a guided tour deep into these mines to feel the richness of history.
"What the former workers dug here was not only gold, but also their dreams and hopes."
The intellectuals of Oro Preto live in the active community of the local university. The fraternities and student apartments here combine the cultural characteristics of Brazil and Portugal to form a unique social atmosphere. Especially during the Carnival, the city becomes a platform for art and creativity. The music and dance brought by the parade make the whole city full of life.
Therefore, Ouro Preto is not only a city famous for its gold and mining, but also a gathering place of culture and history, allowing people to experience precious art and humanistic feelings while exploring.
To this day, how many unsolved mysteries and forgotten legends are still hidden in the mines of Ouro Preto?
