Saint Bartholomew

The village of São Bartolomeu was founded in the late 17th century by the bandeirantes (explorers/pioneers) in search of gold, and is one of the oldest in Minas Gerais. Among the vestiges of its golden age, the Church of São Bartolomeu stands out, located in the center of the district, whose altars display the Portuguese National Style. The architectural characteristics of this church – with three windows, towers with small roofs, and wooden quoins – are typical of the first constructions in Minas Gerais.

São Bartolomeu is a district well known as the land of artisanal sweets. The tradition of fruit sweets has been registered as intangible heritage of Ouro Preto since 2008. Among the products, the most famous is the guava paste. Another important local trait is the religiosity of its people, who have the saint who gives the place its name as their patron: Saint Bartholomew, celebrated in August, along with the Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit.

The district still boasts beautiful 18th-century houses, some of which have public shrines incorporated into their structures. The natural beauty of São Bartolomeu should also be highlighted, as the town is located on the banks of the Rio das Velhas and is surrounded by the Uaimii State Park, allowing for excursions along the trails and to waterfalls around the area.