On the Tracks of the Estrada Real

The state of Minas Gerais is located in the southeast of Brazil and borders, among others, the two states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Minas inspires with its green nature, the beautiful mountain ranges and with its history, which has always been connected with the abundant occurrence of mineral resources. The discoveries of gold, ore, silver and diamonds brought Minas rapid growth and beautiful colonial towns, whose churches were decorated with lots of gold. To bring the large amounts of gold from the interior to the ports, the Estrada Real was built. Even today, during a Brazil trip along the famous Estrada Real, you can find traces of Minas Gerais' past.

The Estrada Real, or "Royal Road", includes several historic routes in Brazil ,that extend across the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The Estrada Real, about 1,600 kilometers long, was built in the 17th and 18th centuries to connect the region of the Carioca coast with the interior of Minas Gerais. This ensured the transport of gold, diamonds and other minerals from the hinterland of what is now Minas Gerais to the port on the Atlantic coast. Not only did Portugal benefit from the Minas gold rush, as many treasures were transported to Portugal, but it also led to thriving towns along the roads, many of which saw the construction of magnificent government buildings, mansions and ornate baroque churches. Today, the Estrada Real does not have to be traveled on foot or horseback, but can be easily traveled by car.

The most important routes of the Estrada Real include Caminho Velho, Caminho Novo, Caminho dos Diamantes and Caminho do Sabarabuçu. There are 177 cities around the Estrada Real. 162 of which are in Minas Gerais, 8 in Rio de Janeiro and 7 in São Paulo. Among the most famous are Ouro Preto, Mariana, Diamantina, Tiradentes, São João Del Rei, Catas Altas, Paraty and many others, that still preserve something of Brazil's history.

The 710 kilometers long Caminho Velho, the "Old Road", was the first one officially opened by the Portuguese Crown to connect the coast with the gold mining region in Minas Gerais. Originally, the Estrada Real connected the old Vila Rica, today's Ouro Preto, with the port of Paraty. At that time, towards the end of the 17th century, it took about 60 days to cover the distance on horseback. Not only did they have to cover a great distance on an unpaved road, but they also had to cross the Serra da Mantiqueira. Along the Estrada Real, more and more villages and different resting places for bandeirantes (members of the Portuguese expeditionary forces), horsemen, miners and other travelers were built over the years.

The Portuguese crown's desire to transport mineral resources more quickly to the port in Rio and from there to Europe led to the construction of a new route, which became known as the "Caminho Novo", or "New Road" in English. The new road was laid out by Garcia Rodrigues Paes, son of the famous bandeirante Fernão Dias Paes. Construction began in 1689, but it was not until between 1722 and 1725, that the new road was finally completed. The new road connected Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro with Ouro Preto. Even today, many traces of mining can be found along the 515 kilometer long route.

The Diamond Trail became very important from 1729 on, when the gems of Diamantina gained importance in the Brazilian and Portuguese economy. The Estrada Real was then extended to Diamantina and the new route was named "Caminho dos Diamantes", which means "Path of Diamonds" in English. Ouro Preto, back then the capital of Minas Gerais, thus became the hub of the Estrada Real. Besides the history, the hidden culture and the typical gastronomy, the 395 kilometer long Caminho dos Diamantes is also characterized by the beautiful landscape that you have to cross.

About 300 years ago, the steep mountains of today's Serra da Piedade, the former peak of Sabarabuçu, were believed to be true treasures, where gold and other precious stones could be found. This belief arose from a shining and sparkling on the peaks, which the bandeirantes thought was gold. In reality, the sunlight was reflected on the iron ore. To reach the shining mountain, an alternative route was sought between Ouro Preto, located on the Caminho Velho, and Barão de Cocais, located on the Caminho dos Diamantes. Thus, the Caminho do Sabarabuçu was born. The 160 kilometer long path goes along the Rio das Velhas and has a great view of beautiful nature and the Serra da Piedade.

Among the most famous sights along the Estrada Real are certainly the many colonial towns, especially Ouro Preto, Tiradentes and Paraty. Once known as Vila Rica and as one of the most important gold mining areas, Ouro Preto still attracts many visitors thanks to its sights. Since 1980, the historic city has been on UNESCO's list of Brazilian World Heritage Sites. Attractions include the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pilar, decorated with more than 400 kilograms of gold, Brazil's first theater, which is still in operation today, gold mines and artwork by Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.
Tiradentes was founded in 1702 due to gold discoveries on the slopes of Serra de São José and was named Santo Antônio do Rio das Mortes. Over the years, the town changed its name to Arraial Velho and later to São José, until it received the name Tiradentes, in honor of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, who was also known as "Tiradentes". Besides its historical beauties, the city also has a good tourist infrastructure.
Paraty is a jewel of the Brazilian colonial period. Founded by Martim Afonso de Souza, the city of Paraty was planned by the Portuguese military and its port was very important for the colony. Also known as the Brazilian Venice, Paraty has a beautiful historical center, gorgeous beaches and the Atlantic Rainforest in the surrounding mountains.

On our rental car trip from Rio de Janeiro to Belo Horizonte, you will get to know Tiradentes, São João del Rei, Ouro Preto and Mariana, all of which are also part of the Estrada Real. What else do you need to prepare for during your Brazil vacation? Of course, for the many culinary delights, you will find throughout Brazil. Minas Gerais, for example, is known for its cheese and delicious pão de queijo.

Sources: www.infoescola.com, www.institutoestradareal.com.br, www.mg.gov.br, www.wikipedia.org