historic mine · Ouro Preto, MG
Mina do Chico Rei
An old gold mine open to visitors, with narrow galleries dug by hand by enslaved workers in the 18th century. The visit tells the story of Chico Rei, the African who, according to tradition, bought his own freedom and that of his people.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mina do Chico Rei
The Mina do Chico Rei is an old gold mine open to visitors in the historic center of Ouro Preto, in the Antônio Dias neighborhood. The galleries were dug by hand in the 18th century by enslaved workers, and today part of them can be explored with a guide.
The name comes from the story of Chico Rei, passed down by the town's oral tradition: an African king brought enslaved from the Congo, who is said to have managed to buy his own freedom and later the mine, using the gold to free other enslaved people. The mine, previously known as Encardideira, was rediscovered in 1950 and given his name.
On the visit, you enter the lit tunnels, cut into the rock, and see the digging marks in the rock and quartz veins where gold still shows. The guide explains what work in the mines was like and tells the legend of Chico Rei.
It is a short outing that is easy to fit into your itinerary. It is not wheelchair accessible, and people with claustrophobia should think carefully before going in, because the galleries are narrow.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes lets you walk through the open galleries with the guide and hear the story.
Best time
Any time of year and any time during opening hours, since the visit is underground; it is a good option for rainy days.
How to get there
It is on Rua Dom Silvério, in the Antônio Dias neighborhood, near the Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. From the historic center you can walk there, along steep stone streets.
Tip
Wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes: the tunnel floor is rocky and uneven. You can combine it with a visit to the nearby Matriz de Antônio Dias.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mina do Chico Rei
Is there an entrance fee for the Mina do Chico Rei?
Yes, there is an admission fee. The mine is on private property; check prices and hours directly with the attraction.
How long does the visit to the Mina do Chico Rei last?
About 45 minutes, with a guide, through the galleries open to visitors.
Is the visit difficult?
It doesn't require physical fitness, but the galleries are narrow and the floor is uneven. It is not wheelchair accessible.
Who was Chico Rei?
According to Ouro Preto's oral tradition, an African king brought enslaved from the Congo, who is said to have bought his own freedom and the mine, and used the gold to free other enslaved people.
Where is the Mina do Chico Rei?
On Rua Dom Silvério, in the Antônio Dias neighborhood, in the historic center of Ouro Preto, near the Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição.