Minas Gerais · Brazil
In the destination Historic Towns of Minas Gerais (Estrada Real).
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The city
Mariana preserves a historic core linked to the beginning of mining in Minas Gerais. Its squares and religious buildings invite you to discover the art and the origins of the towns of Minas Gerais.
3 places to stay in Mariana.
3 places picked to eat.
What to know before you go.
The local experience
The main church of the first bishopric seat in Minas, on Rua Direita, it houses an organ built by the German Arp Schnitger and sent by King João V in 1748. Restored in Spain, the instrument returned to concerts at the end of 2025.
Discover Catedral Basílica da Sé
It brings together the churches of São Francisco de Assis and Nossa Senhora do Carmo, side by side, the old Casa de Câmara e Cadeia (Town Hall and Jail) and the pillory. The two churches hold works attributed to Aleijadinho and form one of the best-known colonial ensembles in the state.
One of the largest gold mines open to visitors in the world, explored on a cart that runs down the tracks to an underground lake of clear water. The descent passes through galleries dug since the 18th century.
Founded in 1961 by Archbishop Oscar de Oliveira and opened the following year, it occupies a mansion in the historic center. The collection has about 2,000 pieces of sacred art, including statues, paintings, silverware and furniture.
Discover Museu Arquidiocesano de Arte Sacra
Built in the 18th century at the top of a hill, it has a layout with an elliptical nave, and part of its interior decoration was left unfinished. The churchyard serves as a lookout over the roofs and towers of the historic center.
Discover Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos
