Mina do Chico Rei
A handcrafted 18th-century gold mine in the Antônio Dias district of the old town, with low, narrow tunnels that give a sense of what miners faced in the gold rush era.
This gold mine is said to have belonged to 'King Chico,' who became a leader of the Black community after buying his freedom. Visitors enter the hand-dug tunnels wearing hard hats and can see the veins of ore, water reservoirs, and ventilation shafts. Guides explain how enslaved people panned for gold in those days. The tunnels are very low, so tall visitors need to stoop, and people with claustrophobia should consider skipping it. Admission is about 20-30 reais, and a visit takes about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Antônio Dias
- Soapstone Craft Fair (Largo de Coimbra)
- Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Church of Santa Efigênia
- Museu da Inconfidência
- Praça Tiradentes
- Museum of Science and Technology of the School of Mines
- Museu do Oratório