architectural complex · Mariana, MG
Praça Minas Gerais
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.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Praça Minas Gerais
Praça Minas Gerais (square) is Mariana's postcard image and one of the most photographed colonial ensembles in the state. In the historic center, in a U-shaped layout, stand three buildings erected from the second half of the 18th century: the churches of São Francisco de Assis and Nossa Senhora do Carmo and the old Casa de Câmara e Cadeia (Town Hall and Jail). In the middle is the pillory.
The Igreja de São Francisco de Assis has been a protected heritage site since 1938. It holds paintings by Manuel da Costa Ataíde, known as Mestre Ataíde, one of the great names of the Minas Gerais Baroque, who is buried there. Next to it, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo completes the pair. Both churches hold works attributed to Aleijadinho.
The Casa de Câmara e Cadeia is a colonial townhouse that was once a prison and today houses the City Council. The pillory, carved in stone, is a replica of the original.
The square is open and free, good if you just want to stroll and take photos. To see inside the churches, check whether they are open to visitors before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour lets you walk around the square and photograph the ensemble; set aside an hour and a half if you want to go inside the churches.
Best time
Early in the morning or late afternoon, when the low light illuminates the facades of the two churches and the square is quieter for photos.
How to get there
It is in the historic center of Mariana, a few minutes' walk from Praça Gomes Freire and the Catedral da Sé. The whole center can be explored on foot, along stone-paved streets.
Tip
Also visit the Catedral da Sé and Rua Direita, a few minutes' walk away: you can do it all in one walk around the historic center.
A look at the place
Praça Minas Gerais 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 Praça Minas Gerais
Is there an entrance fee for Praça Minas Gerais?
No. The square is open and free. Visiting the inside of the churches has its own rules; check on the spot whether they are open.
Which churches are on Praça Minas Gerais?
The churches of São Francisco de Assis and Nossa Senhora do Carmo, which hold works attributed to Aleijadinho.
What is the Casa de Câmara e Cadeia building?
A colonial townhouse that was once a prison and today houses the Mariana City Council.
Is the pillory on the square original?
No. The stone pillory you see today is a replica of the original.
Can I walk from the Catedral da Sé to Praça Minas Gerais?
Yes. Both are in the historic center, a few minutes' walk from each other.