Antônio Pereira

Between the mountains and rivers of Minas Gerais, guarding at the foot of the Serra Geral, lies the district of Antônio Pereira. The region is of great natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.

Located 25 km from Ouro Preto, Antônio Pereira is known for its strong vocation for mining activity and among its main tourist attractions, the ruins of the church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, founded in 1716, which almost succumbed to a fire in 1830, so it is known by the population as "Igreja Queimada" (Burnt Church). Inside there is a curious cemetery still in operation.

Another highlight is the Gruta da Lapa, which houses a small chapel in the rock, attracting a large number of pilgrims every year on August 15, the date dedicated to Our Lady of Lapa.

It is known that the pioneer Portuguese Antônio Pereira Machado went north from Vila Rica, arriving at a place called Bonfim do Mato Dentro, around the year 1700. Gradually, it was established with numerous mines in the region, such as Romão, Mata-mata, Macacos, Capitão Simão, Fazenda do Barbaçal, Mateus and Rocinha. In this way, the old Arraial gained the name of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Antônio Pereira, for the devotion to the saint and also a reference to the miner Portuguese.

The nature that surrounds the district is also worth mentioning. Some of the most beautiful places are in the Pedreira Waterfalls: three waterfalls with not very high falls and clear waters.

Currently, the natural area of Antônio Pereira is protected by law, as it was, for many years, exploited by miners in search of gold, topaz and gravel, the latter being used as a construction material.