Looking for things to do in Ouro Preto? Palácio d’Ouro is a fantastic choice!
Beyond being visually stunning, a visit to the Palácio d’Ouro mansion takes us on a journey through the history of Ouro Preto and Brazil itself! Join me in this post as I share all about this visit and why it’s one of the best things to do in Ouro Preto!
Palácio d’Ouro is an 18th-century landmark, built back when Ouro Preto was still known as Vila Rica. After 14 years of restoration, it opened to the public in 2022, preserving its original architectural style and historic features.
On our 10-day road trip through Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto was a standout destination—both for its historic significance and its uniquely breathtaking hills. We spent just two nights in town and were looking for a historic gold mine to visit so we could gain a deeper understanding of the local history.
We hadn't picked a mine yet, but when we passed by Palácio d’Ouro and saw that they had a mine open for tours, we decided to check it out! The entry fee is steep, but it's worth every penny!
During the tour, you explore the main house, the inactive mine, the viewpoints, the gardens, and the slave quarters. The property also features an on-site café and an antique shop. Here is what to expect in each section!
The Main House
The tour starts in the fully restored main house. Through its artifacts, it paints a vivid picture of daily life and customs during the gold rush era, when gold mining was the city's primary economic engine. The living room, bedrooms, and kitchen are all furnished with original period pieces, making you feel instantly transported back to the 18th century. The highlight is the writing desk area, where tools used to melt, weigh, and prepare gold for transport along the Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro) are displayed.
Additionally, behind the house, you'll visit the mundéu—a stone structure used for panning and processing gold; and see the wooden chests used to ship gold bars to Paraty, roughly 750 miles (1,200 km) away, a journey that took 50 to 70 days. It’s a true open-air history lesson!
Paschoal Gold Mine
Next up is the Paschoal Mine! Used for gold extraction throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, access is only available through Palácio d’Ouro. It’s harrowing to imagine spending day after day inside, mining gold. Although it was the part of the tour we were most excited about, it actually turned out not to be the highlight of the experience!
The Slave Quarters
From there, the tour moves to the slave quarters (senzalas). You will visit both the indoor quarters—where the enslaved people who worked in the main mansion lived—and the outdoor quarters, where those working in the mines lived in even harsher conditions. Today, these quarters serve as a museum, displaying torture instruments and depicting the harsh, inhumane reality of their daily lives. Prepare yourself emotionally, as this part of the tour is deeply intense and brings the painful weight of Brazil's history of slavery into sharp focus..
The Palácio d’Ouro Gardens
Finally, you reach the gardens where the tour wraps up! With every step you climb, the view—which was already beautiful from the start—becomes increasingly breathtaking! The area is also filled with gorgeous sculptures, making it the perfect way to end the tour on a high note.
Who Is This Tour For?
In addition to being gorgeous, visiting Palácio d’Ouro is an insightful lesson in Brazilian history!Some of the artifacts on display here can also be found at the Museu da Inconfidência in Ouro Preto, but I found the display here much better organized, and the guide’s explanation makes all the difference! So, if you're searching for fun things to do in Ouro Preto that combine Instagram-worthy spots with a deep dive into history, this tour is definitely for you!
Practical information
- Tour Details: The tour at Palácio d’Ouro is guided and must be booked in advance via their siteIt lasts approximately 2 hours and covers the main house, inactive mine, viewpoints, gardens, and slave quarters.
- Location: R. Conselheiro Quintiliano, 627 – Lajes, Ouro Preto – MG, 35400-000.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Admission: R$ 100.00 per person (as of September 2026).
What Book Pairs Well With This Location?
Any book by Laurentino Gomes covers key themes in Brazilian history in a very accessible, engaging way. In particular, “Slavery – Volume 2: From the Gold Rush in Minas Gerais to the Arrival of Dom João’s Court in Brazil” (Escravidão – Volume 2).
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