Mariana, Colonial municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Located at an elevation of 725 meters above sea level, Mariana features numerous churches and buildings reflecting the architectural style of the 18th century.
Founded in 1696 during Brazil's gold rush, Mariana served as the first capital of the Captaincy of Minas Gerais, marking its importance in colonial administration.
The city maintains a roster of religious festivals throughout the year, with processions and ceremonies taking place in its historical churches and public squares.
Visitors can explore the historical center through guided walking tours that connect multiple colonial-era landmarks, museums, and traditional marketplaces.
The discovery of gold along the Carmo River transformed Mariana into a major settlement, leading to the construction of elaborate religious buildings financed by mining wealth.
Location: Minas Gerais
Inception: 1696
Elevation above the sea: 725 m
Shares border with: Alvinópolis, Diogo de Vasconcelos, Acaiaca, Barra Longa, Catas Altas, Ouro Preto, Piranga, Santa Bárbara
Website: http://mariana.mg.gov.br
GPS coordinates: -20.37835,-43.41647
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:14
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
9.1 km
Museu da Inconfidência
9.1 km
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
9.6 km
Caraça
28.6 km
Casa dos Contos
9.4 km
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
9.8 km
Carmine Church (Ouro Preto)
9.2 km
Pico do Itacolomi
8.3 km
Parish Church of Our Lady of the Conception of António Dias
8.9 km
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Assumption, Mariana
30 m
Church of Saint Peter of the Clergymen
621 m
Parque Estadual do Itacolomi
8.1 km
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
9.8 km
Museu da Música da Arquidiocese de Mariana
597 m
Igreja de São Francisco de Paula
9.6 km
Padre Faria Chapel
7.9 km
Teatro Municipal
9.3 km
Grande Hotel of Ouro Preto
9.3 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia
9.2 km
Town Hall and Prison
192 m
Governors’ Palace
9.1 km
Church of Our Lady of Mercy and Forgiveness (Mercês de Baixo)
9 km
Museu do Oratório
9.2 km
Arquivo Eclesiástico da Arquidiocese de Mariana
165 m
Casa Guignard museum
9.2 km
Museu da Música de Mariana
618 m
Museu de Arte Sacra de Mariana
36 m
Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows
8.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes