The state of Minas Gerais was initially colonized by gold miners at the beginning of the 18th century. Soon the gold mines ran out of ore and the miners had to find other sources of income such as agriculture and mining for other metals. The settler community expanded rapidly thanks to the advantageous topography and climate until the end of the 19th century. When the state capital Ouro Preto reached its capacity due to its insular topography, Belo Horizonte was chosen to be the new capital of Minas Gerais. Within only five years, the new city center was built according to the plans of the engineer Aarão Reis. Belo Horizonte, the first city in Brazil planned on a drawing board, celebrated its inauguration in 1897.

This tour is a walking tour and does not require transportation, it is available in 4 or 6 hours duration. Meeting point is Praça da Liberdade, Centro.