Ouro Preto - The City of Black Gold, Brazil (177/418)

Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto ("Black Gold"), was the focal point of the gold rush and "Brazil's Golden Age" in the 18th century. With the exhaustion of the gold mines in the 19th century, Ouro Preto's influence declined but many churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity and the exceptional talent of the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.