This text aims to present the process through which passed the city of Goias, the ancient capital of the state of Goiás in centralBrazil, implanted as a result of the mining economy in the eighteenth century to achieve recognition by unesco as a world heritage.It also serves to reflect on the management of such title, the lack of political incentives to the development of tourismand economic with the preservation of heritage and the relationship of preserved historic center, with modern environment.