Ouro Preto is a municipality located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Situated within the Serra do Espinhaço mountains, the city was formerly known as Vila Rica and served as the capital of Minas Gerais from 1720 until 1897, when Belo Horizonte was founded.
The city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site primarily for its well-preserved Baroque colonial architecture. Originally established as a colonial mining town, it remains a significant historical site characterized by its distinct architectural heritage and geographical setting in the mountain range.