Brazil’s Architecture Merges Traditional European and Indigenous Styles

Ouro Preto and Manaus are classic examples of Brazilian architecture

View of the colonial city of Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, Brazil on June 19, 2014. Ouro Preto was the focal point of gold rush in the 18th century during the Portuguese influence. JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images

With its simple white façade, the Brazilian church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks in the historic town of Ouro Preto looks like any church. But once inside the church, decorated in a lavish Baroque style, one journeys to a glorious past. Bright colors, gold, and detailed ornamentation are only a few of the striking elements inspired by the European Rococo and the Brazilian Baroque styles.

As the centuries passed, Brazil welcomed a variety of architecture styles. In fact, people in Brazil made their cities a reflection of European architecture. As visitors walk along the streets of Ouro Preto, Brazil, they can admire beautiful examples of the Brazilian version of Baroque, as well as Rococo and Neoclassical architecture.

Ouro Preto’s Brazilian Baroque Architecture

Brazilian building styles started with settlements built by the indigenous people. Local residents used leaves, vines, fibers, and wood to build their shelters. While indigenous architecture was functional and European architecture was more aesthetic, they had one thing in common: the local fauna and flora. From the 16th century, Brazilian architects incorporated these local elements into European architectural styles.