Lesson 12:
Estrada Real (Royal Roads)
More than just a road, a journey through the past!
Spanning 1,600 kilometres, these old roads have been operated for over 300 years by the Portuguese Crown and are a recognised tourist route in Brazil and abroad. Today, the Royal Road passes through 199 districts, of which 169 are in Minas Gerais, 22 in São Paulo and 9 in Rio de Janeiro.
Trails opened in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to explore gold and diamonds and the Royal Road is divided into three colonial trails: New Road, Old Road and Diamond Trail. The trails include over 1,900 concrete markers and can be travelled in sections on horseback, foot, bicycles or car.
Perfect for:
- Historic cities - Ouro Preto, Mariana, Congonhas, Tiradentes, São João del Rei and Diamantina
- Caraça Sanctuary
- Serra do Cipó National Park
Historical Cities of the Royal Road (Estrada Real): Influenced by a history that includes the gold cycle, slavery and revolutionary ideology, the historical cities along the Royal Road attract those interested in baroque relics, religion, gastronomy, carnivals, festivals and surrounding lush landscapes. Must-see cities include:
- Ouro Preto
- Mariana
- Congonhas
- São João del Rei
- Tiradentes
- Diamantina
For further information, visit www.institutoestradareal.com.br