Colonial towns (by Laura)

I´ve always associated colonial architecture in Latin America and the colonial world with grand buildings and squares, such as the Zócalo in Mexico City, the promenade of government offices in New Delhi or the main square in Santiago.

It´s rare to see examples of normal, lived in 18th and 19th century houses as, much of the time, the smaller buildings are hidden amongst newer construction or have been pulled down altogether, to make way for blocks and offices.

In Minas Gerais, the centre of Brazil´s mining wealth, they have managed to preserve some fantastic examples of colonial houses and churches from the state´s gold and diamond mining past (left). The labour for the building of these towns came either from indigenous or African slaves. Colonisers flocked to this region when it was realised the extent of the possible wealth to be had.

Other colonial towns, such as Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro state (right), where we spent a lovely few days, similarly flourished due to Brazil´s mineral wealth, with Paraty being a significant port for the export of gold in the 19th century.

These are fascinating towns to visit: the richness of the architecture is a reminder not only of how much wealth was created at this time, but also of the environment in which it was created. The slave trade which flourished in Brazil was abolished in 1888.

All these towns have continued to develop as important hubs, both to support the mining activity in Minas Gerais (it continues to produce about 50% of Brazil´s mineral wealth and 95% of its gemstones) and of course the ever increasing tourist trade along the Brazil coast. However, even with all this activity, both areas were beautiful and felt largely unspoilt.

Here´s some pics:

Laura