//
Oldest city in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mariana is a colonial mining town in Central Minas Gerais.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Argentinian marionettist Catin Nardi has gained some fame across Brazil for some television shows he has created. He gives weekly shows for tourists every Saturday at 19:00, or by appointment.
Brumado Waterfall
In colonial times, this building housed offices of public officials, the city council, and the jail. At other times in its history, it has held a hospital, a butcher shop, and various other things.
Cave of Our Lady of Lapa
The oldest and best-preserved houses of the town line this beautiful street, the second oldest street in town. Some highlights include the Casa do Barão de Pontal, (former state governor's house), the Casa Setecentista, (an 18th-century archive building), and the house of poet Alphonsus de Guimarães, now containing a small museum dedicated to his work.
Museum of Sacred Art of the Archdiocese
Installed in a colonial building whose construction began in 1770, this is one of Brazil's best sacred art museums, with over two thousand objects, including a golden reliquary considered to be the richest in the state and second in Brazil. The collection includes works in soapstone, porcelain and wood, Portuguese paintings, paintings by Ataíde, and many other objects.
Mariana Music Museum
Located inside the former Palácio dos Bispos, the old Bishop's Palace. Its permanent exhibit includes a hands-on music display, and a collection which contains scores, documents, and other printed material from the 1700s forward.
Book Museum
Houses many rare books from the 18th century, including a number of volumes related to the Inconfidência Mineira. If you cannot read Portuguese, you might give this one a pass.
Catedral da Sé
The city's largest and most important church was constructed between 1709 and 1750. Many famous artists contributed to its construction, including Aleijadinho, his father, and Manuel da Costa Ataíde. On Fridays at 11:00 and Sundays at 12:15, concerts are given on the beautiful German organ which was built in 1701.
Constructed in 1784, this church has a uniquely simple design compared to the many baroque churches typically built in the region in that era.
This church has a rather plain outward appearance but houses some of the most revered artwork in town, a beautiful series of wood carvings decorated in gold, made by an unknown artist. The church is being restored.
This 1752 construction has elaborately-decorated altars. The painting on the chapel ceiling is particularly well-preserved.
Oldest church in the city.
Constructed between 1763 and 1794 and decorated by a number of different painters including Manuel da Costa Ataíde, who is buried here. The medallion above the doorway is attributed to Aleijadinho.
A very attractive church designed by Antônio Ferreira Calheiros, who also designed the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Ouro Preto. Construction began in 1752 but the church was never really finished.
This 1784 church is the only one in town with cylindrical towers. Part of the main nave was destroyed by fire in 1999.
Beautiful building designed in neo-colonial style. There is also a charming chapel with interesting mosaics. Visits must be arranged by telephone in advance.
Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Santuário Caraça
The park has trails for exploring its waterfalls, rivers, lakes and caves. Winters (May to September) are dry and cool. The park is accessed by road from nearby Santa Bárbara.
Tour agency that provides for a wide range of activities including ecological treks, rappelling, canyonning, and paintball.
Specializing in ecotourism and environmental education, this agency offers outings on foot or in Jeeps which span the region, including Ouro Preto and all the waterfalls of the outlying districts.
Reasonably-priced churrascaria.
Great pizza.
Mineiro restaurant at lunchtime, bar at night. The owners speak English.
Award-winning mineiro cuisine per kilo. An all-you-can-eat option is also available.
Tasty per-kilo mineiro cuisine.
Great little sandwich shop. Try a beirute, something similar to a döner kebab.
Good lunch specials and a bar atmosphere at night.
Open weekends, this disco is the busiest in town.
Somewhat run-down but acceptable accommodations.
Full apartments or simple rooms available.
Swimming pool available.
Rooms are furnished with replicas of colonial furniture and have nice views. Request room number 8 for the best decor.
Installed in a restored 18th-century manor with replica period decor. Spacious rooms.
By bus
By train
A historic train with a steam locomotive (Portuguese: Maria Fumaça) between Ouro Preto and Mariana.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Belo Horizonte · International · CNF
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Mariana and Brazil.
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in February across snow festivals, world-famous carnivals, tropical island beaches, and polar night aurora displays.
6 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip with our Rio Carnival 2027 guide. Compare Sambadrome tickets, street blocos, safety strategies, and neighborhood hotel recommendations.
8 min read
ItinerariesLearn how to plan a trip around major sports events in 2027, covering ticket deadlines, rooms, flights, and costs for the world's biggest tournaments.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.