Estrada Real Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
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About Estrada Real
Cutting through the States ofMinas GeraisandSão Pauloto the port cities ofParatyandRio de Janeiro, the Royal Road thrived during the diamond and gold-digging years of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, linking many of the most important historic towns in the region. Portuguesecolonists of Brazil and theirAfricanslaves began building the road in 1697 shortly after gold, diamonds, and other precious minerals were discovered in the present-day state ofMinas Gerais. The purpose of the road was to transport those minerals from the interior to the coast and then to Lisbon. The original road — the Caminho Velho — began inParatyand went north through the towns ofSão João del Rey,Tiradentes,Coronel Xavier Chaves,Congonhas,Itatiaiaand, ultimately, Vila Rica, today'sOuro Preto. Later, the distance to
Estrada Real Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 6 sections including: