São João del Rei is arguably the only Brazilian city that has preserved its Portuguese colonial architecture so completely. It sits in the Rio Grande watershed, along the Lenheiro river, at an elevation of 860 meters.

Step back in time through its 70 baroque churches and magnificent colonial residences.

With a blend of art and history, this destination attracts an ever-growing number of visitors from across Brésil and around the world.

History

São João del Rei emerged from the former Arraial Novo do Rio das Mortes settlement. Local legend credits its founding to bandeirantes led by Tomé Portes del Rei. Its documented history begins in 1704 when Lourenço Costa, a Paulista settler, discovered gold in the São Francisco Xavier creek. This strike sparked the first waves of settlement in the region. Built around a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Pilar, the town took shape and drew prospectors seeking auriferous wealth.

In 1713, it was officially established as a city and named São João del Rei in honor of the Portuguese king. The city then became the seat of the Comarca de Rio das Mortes and experienced remarkable commercial expansion. In the nineteenth century, development accelerated with the opening of the Oeste-Minas railway line and the establishment of local industries. Though it eventually lost its status as the region's capital to Belo Horizonte, São João del Rei retained its colonial character, blending baroque and eclectic architectural styles.

Climate

São João del Rei enjoys a humid subtropical temperate climate. Winters are dry while summers are warm. The average annual temperature is 19.7°C, with mean annual rainfall of 664.6 mm. Summer runs from late January through December, with the warmest months being December, January, February, and March. February and March are particularly pleasant times to visit.

The Cathedrals and Churches of São João del Rei

• Catedral Basílica do Pilar
• Rosário
• Carmo
• Mercês e Bonfim
• São Francisco de Assis
• Senhor dos Montes Santo Antônio
• Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church
• Capela de Santo Antonia
• Capela Nossa Senhora das Dores
• Igreja de São Gonçalo Garcia

Getting There

By Bus

From Rio de Janeiro, take a bus heading to São João del Rei. The journey takes five and a half hours, with affordable fares ranging from $17 to $29.

By Bus from Barbacena

You can also depart from Barbacena, though expect a longer journey of 7 hours and 35 minutes. Transport costs remain reasonable at approximately $18.

Renting a Car

For an independent travel experience, drive yourself and explore the roads at your own pace. The journey takes just 4 hours and 13 minutes.

By Steam Train

You can also board a nineteenth-century steam train linking São João del Rei to Tiradentes. Despite the somewhat higher price for this 14-kilometer journey—which lasts about 40 minutes—the spectacular landscapes make it worthwhile. It's best to catch the early morning train departing from Tiradentes at 1 pm and 5 pm.