Sao Joao del Rei was founded in 1703, when gold was discovered in the area. Being at the junction of the various roads that cut across the interior on the Capitania, S5o Jo5o always fulfilled important functions, such as the political center and commercial axis. Significant urbane and religious architecture developed there, accumulating an excellent cultural collection.
Highlights: Churches of Pilar (1721), Carmel (1733) and Saint Francis of Assissi (1749). On the weekends, the Maria Fumara, a 19th century steam train, travels the romantic route to Tiradentes.