Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
Diamantina, a colonial village set like a jewel in a necklace of inhospitable rocky mountains, recalls the exploits of diamond prospectors in the 18th century and testifies to the triumph of human cultural and artistic endeavour over the environment.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/890
The Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina comprises a city landscape adapted from European models to an American context.
The city's history began in 1713 when an expedition found diamonds on the mountain slopes and along the rivers in this region. A first settlement was started, Arraial do Tijuco.
In 1731 the Portuguese Crown became aware of its wealth, and set up a seperate body to administer the region. Mining rights were granted to private enterprises at first, but soon the Crown took back ownership.
Mining blossomed in Diamantina in the 18th and early 19th century. After that, richer and better quality deposits in South-Africa were found.
Because of this, the historical center of Diamantina has been preserved very well. Some distinct features set it aside from other Portuguese colonial towns (and they can still be seen today): its pavement (large grey stones called capistranas) and the use of wood and adobe on the walls of its houses.
http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/site.php?id=890
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