Diamantina
Tourism

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developed out of a small treasure-seekers' settlement on the banks of the Tijuco, a tributary of the Rio Grande, and finally became the main center in this area of Minas Gerais with its numerous diamond mines - an area so rich in diamonds that even as a mere arrayal ("encampment") the place remained under the direct administration of the Crown, enjoyed no civil liberties and was confined to the exploitation of the deposits of precious stones. Most other activities, even gold-prospecting, were prohibited, and a passport issued by the royal authorities was required to enter or leave the town. As a result of this isolation, which lasted for almost a hundred years, this colonial settlement has remained largely intact.

Diamantina, the birthplace of President Juscelino Kubitschek, is the historic town in Minas Gerais which lies farthest from Belo Horizonte; but it is nevertheless well worth visiting, not only for the town itself but also for the beautiful and varied scenery on the way there, particularly between Curvelo and the slopes of the Serra do Espinhaço. The town lies under a steeply scarped rocky hill.