Tiradentes

Population: 5,759 Distance from Belo Horizonte: 215 km (134 mi); Rio de Janeiro: 325 km (202 mi); São Paulo: 483 km (300 mi) The city was named after Tiradentes, the Martyr of Independence and one of the greatest heroes of Brazilian History; Tiradentes was born on Pombal farm, located between Tiradentes and São João del Rey. Although it lacks the rich archictecture landmarks which abound in Ouro Preto, Tiradentes has plenty of colorful, harmonious colonial houses. The town seems to have been frozen in time, and attracts tourists seeking both peace and quiet cultural events. Nestled between the Rio das Mortes (River of the Dead) and the São José mountain chain, the town was practically forgotten between the end of the gold rush period and the 1970s, when business people from Rio helped restore the beautiful old houses. Soon the locals pitched in, and Tiradentes soon became a refuge for artists from Rio and São Paulo. Area Code: XXX