Tiradentes is very close to São João del Rei (about 10 km). Compared to the latter, it is a much smaller town and its economy depends much on tourism. The central part of the town is cute with several Portuguese colonial houses and, of course, many churches.
Some historical facts (from the web):
The name of this town is related to Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (November 12, 1746 – April 21, 1792). He was known as Tiradentes and 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. Since the 19th century he has been considered a national hero of Brazil.
Tiradentes means "tooth puller",a pejorative denomination adopted during the trial against him.