Explore Mina Du Veloso on a fascinating journey through historic underground galleries, African mining techniques, and the cultural heritage of Ouro Preto.
Mina Du Veloso is a remarkable example of African ingenuity in the search for gold during the 18th and 19th centuries. Inside the mine, visitors can identify and experience a wide range of technical and cultural aspects of colonial-era gold mining.
The site features more than 400 meters of tunnels connecting chambers supported by stone pillars. Throughout the entire route, visible marks remain from the labor of enslaved African miners. The visit is led by a trained guide who explains each detail and highlights the customs and daily lives of these African workers in the mining areas.
Beyond mining itself, the tour also presents important elements of the society and economy of the former Vila Rica—now Ouro Preto—as well as aspects of the region’s geology. The guide further emphasizes how this period of Brazilian history continues to shape the present, encouraging reflection on themes such as race, ethnicity, identity, labor, exploitation, and empowerment.
African Legacy in Mining – Learn how African techniques shaped gold extraction in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Historic Underground Galleries– Walk through more than 400 meters of original tunnels and chambers from the days of Vila Rica.
Highly Trained Local Bilingual Guides – The visit is led by expert guides who explain every historical, cultural, and technical detail.
Direct Contact with Ouro Preto’s History – Discover the lives, labor, and daily experiences of enslaved African miners and their lasting impact on local culture.
Meaningful, Contemporary Reflections – The tour addresses themes such as identity, race, resistance, and memory, connecting past and present.
What's Included + Important Notices
Guided Visit to Mina Du Veloso
Accompanied by a guide specialized in Afro-Brazilian history and culture.
⚠️ Important Notices:
The visit takes place in an underground environment, with damp sections and controlled lighting.
Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended.
The tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or claustrophobia.
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor
Wellington Porto
Verified
Interessante, difícil de encontrar é uma entrada de R$70,00 por pessoa.
Interessante! Visita com guia, com informações sobre exploração do ouro com escravos. Entrada a R$70,00 por pessoa. Local muito escondido, quase desistimos de encontrar. Parece no meio de uma favela, mas é muito interessante.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Nelson O
Verified
Imperdível
Visita incrível em Ouro Preto, com bastante contextualização da história ligando o passado e o presente e a importância negra para o desenvolvimento de Ouro Preto e do Brasil. Recomendo demais!
Posted on Tripadvisor
FranciscoRP2015
Verified
vale conhecer
Fez parte de um tour pela cidade, mas é um passeio que deve ser realizado, pelo menos uma das minas deve ser visitado para se entender o processo de exploração como um todo.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Quezia de Souza
Verified
Gostei muito do passeio. Equipe preparada para dar as explicações. O valor da entrada é R$70,00. Vale muito a pena! A cerveja também é boa.
