Town Hall and Prison, Colonial town hall and prison in Mariana, Brazil
The Town Hall and Prison of Mariana is a symmetrical stone building from colonial times with three separate confinement areas for different prisoners and administrative rooms on the upper floor. The structure combined governance and judicial functions in a single building.
Construction of this governmental building took place between 1768 and 1798 and it served both administrative and judicial purposes in colonial Minas Gerais. It was an important center for exercising authority in the mining region of that era.
The building displays Portuguese architectural features with carved blue stonework and a royal coat of arms above the main entrance. These details reflect the colonial ties to Portugal and shape how the square looks and feels today.
The building now serves as the headquarters of Mariana City Council and can be visited during regular business hours. Guided tours are available to learn about the historical rooms and their functions.
The building contained specialized facilities such as a gold smelter, hospital, butcher shop, and chapel alongside its administrative duties. This diverse use made it a self-contained center for all aspects of urban life.
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