Diamantina, land of Chica da Silva, Juscelino Kubitschek and..diamonds

by Antonella Kann


I am a passionate about colonial towns and there are quite a few in Brazil. Most of them in the State of Minas Gerais.

Diamantina, one of the most genuine, is not the most sought-after, as far as a massive tourist hub , although it boasts history in every corner. Maybe because it´s not at easy reach like many other towns. You have to drive for 300 kilometers from capital Belo Horizonte towards Brasília on the BR-040 to get to the birth place of ex-president Juscelino Kubitschek.

But Diamantina is also known as the venue of famous slave-turned-into-mistress Chica da Silva during the diamond fever in the 18th century. The African lady became a despotic “first lady” after seducing the Portuguese governor , during a period when Diamantina ( which owes its name to the portuguese word “diamante” - diamond) was sought after for its precious metal, abundantly found in its riverbeds.

Besides cobbled streets and authentic façades, you can enjoy the great outdoors all year-round, as the region is surrounded by impressive waterfalls and panoramic hikes.
Once in town, do not miss the municipal market, which retains a nostalgic feel and where you´ll find all sorts of home-made food, artcrafts from the Vale do Jequitinhonha , local cachaça and, naturally, semi-precious stones – also found in several little shops spread around the narrow alleys and old city center.

But Diamantina is also known as the venue of famous slave-turned-into-mistress Chica da Silva during the diamond fever in the 18th century. The so-called beauty became a despotic “first lady” after seducing the Portuguese governor and "ruling" as his mistress , during a period when Diamantina ( which owes its name to the portuguese word “diamante” - diamond) was sought after for its precious metal, abundantly found in its riverbeds.