architectural complex · Diamantina, MG
Casa da Glória e Passadiço
Two late-18th-century mansions joined by a covered walkway over the street, which served as a residence for intendants, a school and an orphanage. Restored, the complex belongs to UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais) and welcomes visitors.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Casa da Glória e Passadiço
The Casa da Glória is a pair of mansions on opposite sides of the street, connected by an enclosed walkway that crosses above it. The Passadiço da Glória (Glória Walkway) is one of the best-known images of Diamantina and became the symbol of the campaign that made the town's historic center a World Heritage Site.
The main house was built between 1775 and 1800. The name comes from Dona Josefa Maria da Glória, who lived there until 1813. In the early 19th century, the property passed to the government and served as the residence of the diamond intendants. Travelers and scholars such as Saint-Hilaire, John Mawe, Eschwege, Spix and Martius stayed there.
In 1864 the house passed to the Church and was the residence of the bishops of Diamantina. Shortly after, it became an orphanage and girls' school, run by the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul. It was during this period that the walkway was built, to connect the two houses.
Since 1979 the complex has belonged to the Institute of Geosciences of UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais) and serves as a research center and field geology teaching facility, under the name Instituto Casa da Glória. The walkway can be seen and photographed from the street, from below and from both sides of the slope.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Fifteen minutes is enough to see and photograph the walkway from the street; a visit inside, when open, takes about an hour.
Best time
In the morning or mid-afternoon on dry days, between May and September, when the sky is usually clear and the street is well lit for photos.
How to get there
It is in the historic center of Diamantina, a little away from the central area, down a steep street. You can walk from the center; the streets are stone-paved and steep.
Tip
For the classic photo, stand halfway down the slope, below the walkway, and frame the street passing under it; wear sturdy shoes because of the stones.
Official website
A look at the place
Casa da Glória e Passadiço in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Casa da Glória e Passadiço
Can I go inside the Casa da Glória?
The complex belongs to UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais) and serves as a research center. Check the Institute of Geosciences website to see whether the house is open to visitors before you go. The walkway can be seen from the street at any time.
Why is it called Casa da Glória?
Because of Dona Josefa Maria da Glória, who lived in the house until 1813.
What was the walkway built for?
To connect the two houses when the complex served as an orphanage and girls' school, run by the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul, from the second half of the 19th century.
Can I walk there from downtown Diamantina?
Yes. It is in the historic center, a little away from the central area, down a steep stone street. Wear sturdy shoes.
Who uses the Casa da Glória today?
UFMG's Institute of Geosciences, owner of the complex since 1979, which runs the Instituto Casa da Glória there, used for research and field geology classes.