obra do pai de Aleijadinho, no topo, a primeira obra de Aleijadinho

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Chafariz do Alto da Cruz

4.3

·122 reviews·, Brazil

A historic baroque fountain in Ouro Preto, potentially featuring Aleijadinho's first sculpture, rich in art and history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow

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Chafariz do Alto da Cruz

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic baroque fountain in Ouro Preto, potentially featuring Aleijadinho's first sculpture, rich in art and history.

4.3

(122 reviews)

"A piece of art history, potentially Aleijadinho's first work, though some feel it's overlooked."

TIP

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Ouro Preto's streets are very steep. Prioritize comfort for exploring the Chafariz and surrounding areas.

🧐 Appreciate the Art History

Look for the bust believed to be Aleijadinho's first work. It's a significant piece of Brazilian art.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 122 reviews

Type

Park

Address

R. Conselheiro Quintiliano Maciel - Ouro Preto, MG, 35400-000, Brazil

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The First Work of Aleijadinho

Alto da Cruz

See what's considered the earliest sculpture by Brazil's master, Aleijadinho, a bust atop this historic fountain.

Baroque Architectural Details

Alto da Cruz

Admire the intricate baroque elements: three gargoyles, volutes, palms, and pinecones adorning the fountain.

Symbolic Bust

Alto da Cruz

The female bust may represent Venus or the Samaritan woman, symbolizing fertility or charity.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Ouro Preto's Slopes

Ouro Preto is famous for its steep hills! Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a workout. Many visitors find the inclines challenging, so pace yourself and enjoy the journey. Consider a guided tour to help navigate the historic streets.

Chafariz's Historical Significance

The Chafariz do Alto da Cruz is more than just a fountain; it's a piece of art history. It's believed to feature the first work of the renowned Aleijadinho. Understanding its context enhances the visit, though some feel it's overlooked.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, better photos

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoon

Why

Golden hour light

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A cidade de Ouro Preto é linda, é bela, é maravilhosa, mas…. Coisas acontecem! #fyp #minasgerais #ouropreto #cidadeturistica #lendas #escravidao #viagem #foruyou #story #casal

@_alarissaalmeida

139.5K likes • 1.6M views

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Ouro Preto's streets are very steep. Prioritize comfort for exploring the Chafariz and surrounding areas.

🧐 Appreciate the Art History

Look for the bust believed to be Aleijadinho's first work. It's a significant piece of Brazilian art.

Ouro Preto encanta em cada detalhe ✨ #minasgerais #cidadeshistoricas #ouropreto #caminhodoouro @janelasdeouropreto

@brazil_travel

101.8K likes • 1.1M views

📌 Chafariz do Caminho das Lajes, situado na Rua Conselheiro Quintiliano (saída para Mariana sentido Alto da Cruz), nas Lajes, Centro Histórico de Ouro Preto. • • 👉Gostou do conteúdo? Então curte, comenta, salva e compartilha com os seus seguidores e amigos!😘 • • • 📍 Ouro Preto - MG, Brasil 🔺🇧🇷 📱 Fotógrafa : Maria Laura • • • • #ouropreto #ouropretomg #estradareal #minasgerais #visiteminasgerais #c...

marialaura.fotos

638 likes • 3.4K views

📸 Capture the Details

The baroque elements like gargoyles and carvings are beautiful. Take your time to photograph them.

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Surroundings

The Chafariz is near Igreja de Santa Efigênia. Combine your visit to see more of the historic Alto da Cruz.

Moradores do bairro Alto da Cruz, em Baturité, usaram as redes sociais para cobrar o fornecimento de água em um chafariz localizado no bairro da Manga. Segundo os moradores, o equipamento está sem abastecimento há cerca de 02 meses, causando indignação e sofrimento para a comunidade que depende do local para garantir água potável. Além do problema com o chafariz, os moradores relatam que as resid...

bte.news

722 likes • 43.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Ouro Preto's streets are very steep. Prioritize comfort for exploring the Chafariz and surrounding areas.

🧐 Appreciate the Art History

Look for the bust believed to be Aleijadinho's first work. It's a significant piece of Brazilian art.

📸 Capture the Details

The baroque elements like gargoyles and carvings are beautiful. Take your time to photograph them.

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Surroundings

The Chafariz is near Igreja de Santa Efigênia. Combine your visit to see more of the historic Alto da Cruz.

What Travellers Say

4.3

(122 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Chafariz do Alto da Cruz is recognized for its significant historical and artistic value, particularly its potential connection to Aleijadinho's early work and its baroque details. However, some visitors note that it appears neglected and could benefit from better maintenance, leading to it being easily overlooked.

"home, sweet home"

alex carrieri

"O local passa até despercebido por não estar conservado. Necessita de uma bela pintura. As pessoas costumam passar por ali e nem notam o chafariz."

Pilar I.

"Está abandonado. Tristeza."

Lamounier Publicidade & Produções Ltda. lamounier

What People Like

Historical significance

Aleijadinho connection

Baroque details

What People Dislike

Appears neglected

Overlooked by visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chafariz do Alto da Cruz is located in the Alto da Cruz neighborhood of Ouro Preto, near the Igreja de Santa Efigênia. You can reach it by walking from the city center, but be prepared for steep inclines. Taxis or ride-sharing services can also take you directly to the area.

Parking in Ouro Preto's historic center can be very challenging due to narrow streets and limited spaces. It's often easier to walk or use public transport to reach the Alto da Cruz area.

Yes, Ouro Preto is a popular day trip destination from Belo Horizonte. You can visit the Chafariz do Alto da Cruz along with other key sites within a single day, though it will be a packed itinerary.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Chafariz do Alto da Cruz is an outdoor public monument and does not require an entrance ticket. You can view it freely.

As an outdoor public space, the Chafariz do Alto da Cruz is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better visibility and safety.

There is no admission fee for the Alto da Cruz neighborhood itself. However, some churches and museums in Ouro Preto may have separate entrance fees.

📸 📸 Photography

The late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photographs of the Chafariz. Weekday mornings can also be good for fewer people in your shots.

Many visitors focus on capturing the bust at the top and the intricate baroque details of the fountain. Shots that include the surrounding historic architecture also work well.

Drone regulations can be strict in historic areas. It's advisable to check local ordinances before flying a drone in Ouro Preto to avoid any issues.

🎫 🏛️ History & Art

Dating back to 1761, this chafariz is significant for potentially featuring the first work of the renowned Brazilian sculptor Aleijadinho – a bust at its apex. It also showcases impressive baroque artistry.

The design is attributed to Portuguese Manoel Francisco Lisboa, with the bust at the top believed to be the early work of his son, Antônio Francisco Lisboa, famously known as Aleijadinho.

The chafariz features three gargoyles, volutes, palms, and pinecones. The central bust is thought to represent Venus (fertility) or the Samaritan woman (charity).