São João del-Rei 2.5-Hour Walking Tour of Historic Center Including Churches and Museums
by Agência Walking Tour del-Rei
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.R$150Overview
This walking tour explores the main historic sights of São João del-Rei over about two and a half hours. The tour begins with an introduction to the city's origins, including the arrival of the Bandeirantes, the Guerra dos Emboabas, the gold tax (Quinto do Ouro), the Estrada Real, and the passage of Emperor Dom Pedro II. Participants receive mineral water and may borrow an umbrella if needed. The guide leads the group through landmarks such as the Memorial Tancredo Neves, discussing the life of Brazil's former president, and the Museu da FEB, which covers Brazil’s role in World War II with a collection of relics. The Municipal Theater's history is then shared before visiting Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava, a manor house with unique architectural features and historical importance, now a cultural center. The tour continues with visits to colonial churches like Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Nossa Senhora das Mercês, where the guide explains their significance and architecture. At Pelourinho, the guide discusses the Vila’s colonial events, slavery, and the Lei Aurea abolition law. The Basilica Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Pilar is another highlight, noted for its gilded carvings and baroque decoration. Additional stops include the Museum of Sacred Art, which holds baroque and rococo pieces; Solar dos Neves, former home of President Tancredo Neves; the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, one of the city’s oldest buildings; and Rua das Casas Tortas, a historic street. The birthplace of Bárbara Heliodora and the story of the 1789 Conjuration Mineira are covered near Casa Barbara Heliodora. The tour concludes at the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, a key example of Brazilian colonial art begun in 1774, featuring work by master Aleijadinho. This walking tour focuses on the city's history, architecture, and cultural heritage through its churches, museums, and historic streets.
Highlights
What's included
Itinerary
Reception and Introduction
Participants are welcomed and receive a bottle of mineral water. The guide provides an overview of the city's origins including the arrival of the Bandeirantes, Guerra dos Emboabas, Quinto do Ouro gold tax, Estrada Real, local gentilico, Emperor Dom Pedro II's passage, and the EFOM railroad.
10 min
Memorial Tancredo Neves
The guide presents the life and career of President Tancredo de Almeida Neves.
5 min
Museu da FEB
This historical museum displays Brazil’s involvement in World War II with a collection of numerous historical relics.
5 min
Teatro Municipal
The history of São João del-Rei’s historic Municipal Theater is shared.
5 min
Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava
After discussing the Chain Bridge, City Hall, and other events, the tour visits this manor house noted for its architectural and historical relevance. It was listed by IPHAN in 1938 and currently serves as the Cultural Center of the Federal University of São João del-Rei.
10 min
Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church
Participants see one of the main colonial churches in the city known for its architecture.
10 min
Pelourinho
The guide explains the colonial period events in the Vila, including slavery and the Lei Aurea abolition law.
Igreja Nossa Senhora das Merces
After passing Largo da Cruz/Passo da Paixão and the House of Barão de Itambé, the guide discusses this church’s history and its notable access staircase.
10 min
Paroquia da Catedral Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
This basilica is an example of Brazilian colonial art with gilded carvings, paintings, and statues, and it is registered by IPHAN.
10 min
Museu de Arte Sacra
The museum’s collection includes items from important periods in São João del-Rei’s and Minas Gerais’ history, such as mining and baroque and rococo artistic production.
Dentist Doctor Lustosa Story
The guide recounts the story of Dr. Lustosa, known for developing a famous toothache ointment.
Solar dos Neves
The tour passes by Sobrado Lustosa, where President Tancredo Neves lived from 1957 to 1985.
Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosario
Construction started in 1708 on this church, making it one of the oldest buildings in São João del-Rei.
5 min
Rua das Casas Tortas
Near Largo do Rosário, this is one of the oldest streets in the city, known for its crooked houses.
5 min
Casa Barbara Heliodora
The birthplace of Bárbara Heliodora Guilhermina da Silveira, where the guide talks about the 1789 Conjuration Mineira.
5 min
Igreja de Sao Francisco de Assis
The tour ends at this church begun in 1774, a key example of Brazilian colonial art with carvings by Aleijadinho.
10 min
Meeting point
The meeting point is located at Casarão 35, very close to the Tancredo Neves Memorial.
End point
The tour ends at the Church of San Francisco.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
São João del-Rei 2.5-Hour Walking Tour of Historic Center Including Churches and Museums
by Agência Walking Tour del-Rei
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.R$150Overview
This walking tour explores the main historic sights of São João del-Rei over about two and a half hours. The tour begins with an introduction to the city's origins, including the arrival of the Bandeirantes, the Guerra dos Emboabas, the gold tax (Quinto do Ouro), the Estrada Real, and the passage of Emperor Dom Pedro II. Participants receive mineral water and may borrow an umbrella if needed. The guide leads the group through landmarks such as the Memorial Tancredo Neves, discussing the life of Brazil's former president, and the Museu da FEB, which covers Brazil’s role in World War II with a collection of relics. The Municipal Theater's history is then shared before visiting Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava, a manor house with unique architectural features and historical importance, now a cultural center. The tour continues with visits to colonial churches like Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Nossa Senhora das Mercês, where the guide explains their significance and architecture. At Pelourinho, the guide discusses the Vila’s colonial events, slavery, and the Lei Aurea abolition law. The Basilica Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Pilar is another highlight, noted for its gilded carvings and baroque decoration. Additional stops include the Museum of Sacred Art, which holds baroque and rococo pieces; Solar dos Neves, former home of President Tancredo Neves; the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, one of the city’s oldest buildings; and Rua das Casas Tortas, a historic street. The birthplace of Bárbara Heliodora and the story of the 1789 Conjuration Mineira are covered near Casa Barbara Heliodora. The tour concludes at the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, a key example of Brazilian colonial art begun in 1774, featuring work by master Aleijadinho. This walking tour focuses on the city's history, architecture, and cultural heritage through its churches, museums, and historic streets.
Highlights
What's included
Itinerary
Reception and Introduction
Participants are welcomed and receive a bottle of mineral water. The guide provides an overview of the city's origins including the arrival of the Bandeirantes, Guerra dos Emboabas, Quinto do Ouro gold tax, Estrada Real, local gentilico, Emperor Dom Pedro II's passage, and the EFOM railroad.
10 min
Memorial Tancredo Neves
The guide presents the life and career of President Tancredo de Almeida Neves.
5 min
Museu da FEB
This historical museum displays Brazil’s involvement in World War II with a collection of numerous historical relics.
5 min
Teatro Municipal
The history of São João del-Rei’s historic Municipal Theater is shared.
5 min
Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava
After discussing the Chain Bridge, City Hall, and other events, the tour visits this manor house noted for its architectural and historical relevance. It was listed by IPHAN in 1938 and currently serves as the Cultural Center of the Federal University of São João del-Rei.
10 min
Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church
Participants see one of the main colonial churches in the city known for its architecture.
10 min
Pelourinho
The guide explains the colonial period events in the Vila, including slavery and the Lei Aurea abolition law.
Igreja Nossa Senhora das Merces
After passing Largo da Cruz/Passo da Paixão and the House of Barão de Itambé, the guide discusses this church’s history and its notable access staircase.
10 min
Paroquia da Catedral Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
This basilica is an example of Brazilian colonial art with gilded carvings, paintings, and statues, and it is registered by IPHAN.
10 min
Museu de Arte Sacra
The museum’s collection includes items from important periods in São João del-Rei’s and Minas Gerais’ history, such as mining and baroque and rococo artistic production.
Dentist Doctor Lustosa Story
The guide recounts the story of Dr. Lustosa, known for developing a famous toothache ointment.
Solar dos Neves
The tour passes by Sobrado Lustosa, where President Tancredo Neves lived from 1957 to 1985.
Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosario
Construction started in 1708 on this church, making it one of the oldest buildings in São João del-Rei.
5 min
Rua das Casas Tortas
Near Largo do Rosário, this is one of the oldest streets in the city, known for its crooked houses.
5 min
Casa Barbara Heliodora
The birthplace of Bárbara Heliodora Guilhermina da Silveira, where the guide talks about the 1789 Conjuration Mineira.
5 min
Igreja de Sao Francisco de Assis
The tour ends at this church begun in 1774, a key example of Brazilian colonial art with carvings by Aleijadinho.
10 min
Meeting point
The meeting point is located at Casarão 35, very close to the Tancredo Neves Memorial.
End point
The tour ends at the Church of San Francisco.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.