Things to do in Diamantina
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Casa da Glória
Consisting of two houses located on opposite sides of the street connected by an enclosed, vivid-blue 2nd-story passageway, Casa da Glória was originally the residence of the diamond supervisors and the palace of Diamantina’s first bishop. Currently housing Diamantina’s Institute of Geology, the building has plenty of historical character, but there’s not much to see here other than a ragtag collection of old photos, mineral specimens and a couple of 19th-century German maps.
reviewed
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O Garimpo
Famous for its regional dishes, Garimpo’s house specialty is bambá do garimpo, a high-calorie concoction dating back to the diamond-mining days, featuring pork chops, beans, rice, finely chopped kale and angu (corn porridge). There’s also a weekend all-you-can-eat buffet for R$33.
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Livraria Café Espaço B
The bookstore-café Livraria Café Espaço B is a relaxing spot to mingle with Diamantina’s bohemian set. You can browse books (including English-language ones), linger over wine, snacks, salads, pasta, trout or fondue, and enjoy occasional live music on weekends.
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Casa da Chica da Silva
The fine colonial mansion known as Casa da Chica da Silva was the home of diamond contractor João Fernandes de Oliveira and his longtime partner, the former slave Chica da Silva. Here it’s possible to get a feeling for the lifestyle of the extravagant mulata.
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Casa de Juscelino Kubitschek
Casa de Juscelino Kubitschek, childhood home of the former president, reflects his simple upbringing as the grandson of poor Czech immigrants. Kubitschek himself believed that his early life in Diamantina influenced him greatly.
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Churrascaria Casarão
Grab a spot on the back patio and enjoy Casarão’s ample per-kilo buffet, including items from the outdoor grill. Big eaters will enjoy the weekend rodizio, where itinerant waiters bring meat by your table until you beg for mercy.
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Museu do Diamante
Between Praça JK and the cathedral is the house of Padre Rolim, one of the Inconfidêntes. It’s now the Museu do Diamante, exhibiting religious art, old photos, furniture, weapons, and other relics of the diamond days.
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Cantinha do Marinho
The specialty here is bacalhau (imported codfish – check out the Norwegian box proudly posted on the wall); for dessert, try the doce de limão, a sweet lemony concoction made from an old family recipe.
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Al Árabe
From simple snacks (starting at R$4) to more elaborate dishes for two, Al Árabe’s Lebanese-Brazilian chef offers an enticing lineup of Middle Eastern specialties, including many vegetarian options.
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Recanto do Antônio
With stone walls and wood beams, this cozy and convivial nightspot features live music on weekends (R$5 extra), and its sanduiche de filé (R$9) is one of the tastiest bar snacks around.
reviewed
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Apocalipse Restaurante
Apocalipse serves an excellent international per-kilo lunch in an upstairs room affording views of the municipal market.
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