Tiradentes, the man:  Joaquim José da Silva, 1746 – 1792, known as Tiradentes, or the ‘tooth puller’, was a leading member of the Brazilian revolutionary movement known as the Inconfidência Mineira, whose aim was full independence from the Portuguese colonial power and to create a Brazilian republic. When the plan was discovered, Tiradentes was arrested, tried and publicly hanged (drawn and quartered). Since the 19th century he has been considered a national hero of Brazil and patron of the Military Police.
Tiradentes, the town:  is known for its baroque colonial-era architecture, in particular the Church of St Antonio. Sweaty walk to this church which features hundreds of kilos of gold decoration and a gorgeous facade designed by Brazilian sculptor Aleijadinho.  Then, lunch at “Luth”, fabulous and cool restaurant ! Walked past a shop that had a pig in its window…thought it might be a case of ‘pig thinking about flying?’….lastly, stopped off to have a refreshing passionfruit capininha !