church · Mariana, MG
Catedral Basílica da Sé
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.
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 Catedral Basílica da Sé
The Catedral Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the Sé de Mariana (cathedral), is the oldest church in town. It stands on Praça Cláudio Manoel, at the end of Rua Direita, in the historic center. It became a cathedral in 1745, when the bishopric of Mariana was created, the first in Minas Gerais.
The story begins with a small chapel, built in the early 18th century by the Portuguese captain Antônio Pereira Machado. Construction of the current church began in 1711, and it was expanded over the century. Manoel Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho's father, is among those who worked on it.
The facade is simple, but the interior is rich: carved and gilded altars, paintings by Manuel da Costa Ataíde and crystal chandeliers. It is one of the most complete ensembles of Portuguese-Brazilian Baroque in Minas.
The highlight is the German organ built by Arp Schnitger in the early 18th century. It arrived in Mariana in 1753, a gift from the Portuguese Crown to the first bishop, and it is the only instrument by this organ builder outside Europe. The organ concerts are the Sé's most popular attraction; check the schedule on the official website.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour is enough to see the inside of the church; set aside an hour if you are attending an organ concert.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, when the church is open to visitors and the light comes through the windows and brings out the gold of the altars. If you can, combine the visit with an organ concert.
How to get there
It is on Praça Cláudio Manoel, in the historic center of Mariana, at the end of Rua Direita. You can walk from anywhere in the center, including Praça Minas Gerais and Praça Gomes Freire. The streets are stone-paved, so wear comfortable shoes.
Tip
Walk up Rua Direita to the Sé: the street, with its colonial mansions, is considered one of the most beautiful in Minas and is part of the outing.
A look at the place
Catedral Basílica da Sé 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 Catedral Basílica da Sé
Is there an entrance fee for the Catedral da Sé in Mariana?
Visits usually involve a small contribution, and the organ concerts are paid. Check prices and times on the official website.
Where is the Catedral da Sé in Mariana?
On Praça Cláudio Manoel, at the end of Rua Direita, in the historic center. You can walk there from anywhere in the center.
Are there organ concerts at the Sé in Mariana?
Yes. The German Arp Schnitger organ, the only one by this organ builder outside Europe, is played in concerts open to the public. Check the schedule on the official website.
How long does the visit take?
About half an hour to see the church; an hour if you include an organ concert.
Why is the Sé in Mariana important?
It is the oldest church in town and became a cathedral in 1745, with the creation of the first bishopric in Minas Gerais.