Tiradentes is one of the smallest yet best preserved colonial towns in the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. It has a population of about 6,000 and boasts some fine examples of 300-year old buildings, like the impressive gold-filled Matriz church. It is also well-known amongst food lovers for its food festival in August and its many good regional and modern restaurants.

Tourist Offices
The tourist information office is a three-storey building located on Largo das Forras. The address is Rua Resende Costa, 71 and it's open 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. You can also get great information about hiking and horse-riding opportunities, in English, from the Hotel Solar da Ponte.

Sightseeing
Buildings from times long passed and old, cobblestone streets give Tiradentes a very special ambience. Its main attractions include the beautiful Igreja de Santo Antônio (1732) and the Rosário dos Pretos. The São Francisco de Paula has one of the nicest views of Tiradentes, from a hilltop, or visit Chafariz, a fountain dating back to the 1700s.

Getting there
Tiradentes is located 14km from São João del Rei, 215km from Belo Horizonte, 325km from Rio de Janeiro and 483km from São Paulo. There are about 10 buses a day to and from São João del Rei (8 on weekends). The rodoviária is located near the São Francisco de Paula church, at Praça Silva Jardim. There are no ticket booths, you just pay on-board. On weekends, the maria-fumaça (steam train) leaves the neighbouring city of São João del Rei twice a day (10 am and 3 pm). The 35-minute trip is a nice way to get into town in full "vintage" style.

Getting around
Cars are allowed to circulate, but given the compact size of the old town, slowly walking around is by far the best way to get a feel for the place. The irregular, ancient pavement may not be too friendly to those with disabilities though.