Tiradentes Things to Do Tips by elsadran Top 5 Page for this destination

A Trip on the “Smoking Mary”- Maria Fumaça

In 1881 Don Pedro II inaugurated the West Minas Railroad, a railway of about 775km (465 miles). This route is a part of the few left that still operate as a heritage railway. The American steam locomotive, Maria Fumaça, dates from the beginning of the 20th century and it is in excellent working condition. The train takes you from Tiradentes to São João Del Rey on an unforgettable 13 km (9 mile) journey. It takes approximately half an hour.
At the end of the trip, in São João Del Rey, you can visit the interesting Railway museum.
Tickets are 18R$ for one way and 30R$ for a round trip. Children's tickets are half the price. It runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays..
Leaves Tiradentes at 13:00 and 17:00 and São João at 10:00 and 15:00. It covers the distance of 12 kilometers in 35 minutes.

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City Hall Building - Prefeitura Municipal

This is an impressive building of three stories and it dates from the end of the 18th century. It is located on the central square right in the heart of the town. It also houses the City’s Tourism Department and the Post Office. The staff in the tourism office can provide you with a map and information about everything. Even about good food...!
It is in the central square in the historic center where most of the action takes place.

horse drawn carriages

The romantic horse drawn carriages are lining in the central square waiting to take you to a trip to the past around the cobblestone streets of the town. It is a pleasant way to see the beautiful town. They ask for 40R$- 50R$ for a ride of half an hour or so but you can always negotiate a lot! Most of them are decorated with themes from fairy tales, which enchants the little children!

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Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio

Santo Antônio is the town's patron saint so this is the most important and the richest church in the town. Its construction started in 1710 and was restored in 1983. A lot of gold was used for the interior decoration. The altars are elegantly decorated with gilded flowers. The stone staircase in front leads to its courtyard from where you can admire the exceptional views of the town and the surrounding mountains. The facade and the entrance were designed by Aleijadinho in 1732. There is a sundial there made by Leandro Chaves in 1785. There is also an organ brought to the church in 1798. The views of the city and the surrounding mountains are fantastic as the church is built on high ground.. It is in the junction of Rua Padre Toledo and Rua da Camara.

Look at the views!!!

Igreja do Rosario dos Pretos-

Igreja do Rosario dos Pretos or "Church of Our Lady of Rosary of the Black People" was built by and for slaves in 1708 and it was finished in 1719. It was the first church in town.
The church today is constructed from granite in a renaissance style and is believed to be the most solid structure in the city. There are paintings on the ceiling and images of black saints in the side altars. The painting of the ceiling shows Our Lady of the Rosary giving a bible to São Francisco and a rosary to São Dominico. The panelled door is set in a carved stone frame and there is an image of São Benedicto in a niche above it.
It is found on Rua Direita.

Câmara Municipal

This was the place of Senate since 1718. When governors and Emperors came to visit they were welcomed here. Between 1890 and 1938 it worked as a forum. The building has been standing here for about three centuries and has an open veranda, central arcade and a crest. You can see it on the left walking downhill from Matriz do Santo Antonio.

ANTIQUE shop-

Going down Rua da Câmara from Matriz do Santo Antonio, my eyes lingered on an interesting building. I don't know what attracted my attention but I decided to take the photo. Later I saw it as a screen saver of a local computer and learnt that it is the most famous antique shop in Tiradentes, called Antiquario Nobre Decadência. As for the beauty of the building ..I don't know..judge for yourself...

Museum de Padre Toledo

Father Carlos Correia Toledo e Melo or "Padre Toledo" was a hero, member of the Inconfidência Mineira (Minas Conspiracy). The museum is the Parochial House where he lived. It has 18 rooms, and some of them have their ceilings painted to emphasize the "Five Senses". The "Inconfidência" used to meet here as Padre Toledo was one of the most active members.Today, the museum houses Mestre Ataíde’s furniture pieces and paintings. Photography inside is not allowed.
You can visit it on Rua Padre Toledo. Photography is not allowed inside.

TOTI

One of the first artists that settled in the region was "Toti"- pronounced "tochi". His real name is Antonio Carlos Bech and he was born in Sao Paulo. He decided to start a second life here in the hug of the wonderful nature and the peace of the verdant ambient of Minas. He picked a small village near Tiradentes called Bichinho and in 1991 he bought a piece of land to make his home and workshop. His art is very original, inspired by everyday life and introducing a different way of making art by using useless material from demolition or old things that people throw away. Today he still stays in Bichinho and keeps a gallery in Tiradentes, on Rua Direita, 36, where you can browse at many of his works. He has found many imitators in the local community and his forms can be seen almost in all local handicraft. His workshop is called Oficina de Agosto where he trains youth to become artists. He has published a wonderful big book with his works of Art.

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Phone: (11) 3032-1198

Art Gallery – Angela Nunes

Angela Nunes is a romantic painter creating works inspired by the natural and architectural beauty of Minas Gerais. She has participated in many collective art exhibition and has made some on her own since 2004.

Ateliê: Rua do Chafariz, 156 - centro - Tiradentes
tel:(32) 3355-1780
www.tiradentesgerais.com.br/angelanunes

Rua Brasil Artes e Oficios Rua dos Incofidentes 98 - Centro – Tiradentes
tel:(32) 3355-1484
www.rarobrasil.com.br

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