Praça Tiradentes (Ouro Preto)

The main square of Ouro Preto sits at the top of the town's steep terrain and is dominated by a statue of the independence martyr Tiradentes, executed in 1792 for his role in a colonial conspiracy. Around the sloping plaza stand grand public buildings, including the former governor's palace, now a school of mines and mineral museum, and the old town hall and jail, now the Inconfidência Museum. Cobblestones, colonial facades and mountain views frame the space, which serves as the civic and tourist heart of the historic centre.