Upon arrival in Mariana, organize your visit by chronological order of the construction of temples in order to understand the development of architecture and interior decorating. Firstly, get to know the Baroque manifestations in the Cathedral followed by the Rococo of the Third Order of Saint Francis of Assis Church. First visit: Catedral Sé – Nossa Senhora da Asunção Sé Cathedral – Our Lady of Assumption It is one of the most important 18th Century temples in Minas Gerais. It is home to admirable Baroque altarpieces in National Portuguese and Joanino styles, a screen from the master Ataíde and the most beautiful windshield of Minas Gerais. It possesses in its collection a precious 1702 Arp Schnitger organ. Address: praça Cláudio Manuel Phone: 3557-1216 Open Hours: from Tuesdays to Sundays 8:00 to 17:00

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Arp Schnitger organ concert Make plans to watch an unforgettable concert

Fridays at 11:00; Sundays at 12:15

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After inebriating yourself with the refined engravings of the Cathedral, enter the rua Direita in order to appreciate its

architectural complex. Located at number 35 is the House of Alphonsus de Guimarães Museum. Pay attention also to the

beautiful multi-storey house of the Baron de Pontal, which has sculpted schist balconies that form a beautiful tracery, unique in

all of Brazil.

Barão de Pontal. Manuel Ignacio de Mello e Souza, natural de Portugal, diplomado pela Universidade de Coimbra.

Barão de Pontal - Manuel Ignácio de Mello e Souza, natural from Portugal,

graduate by Cimbra University.

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Going up rua Dom Silvério until the praça Minas Gerais, you will find one of the most famous panoramas of Minas Gerais –

the two temples of the Third Order of Saint Francis of Assisi and Our Lady of Carmo. Imposing, facing one another, this is

the materialization of the rivalry between the two orders, which housed the elite in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Integrated in the architectural collection of the square are the building of the Council Town and Jailhouse and the Pillory.

It is now time to become acquainted with Rococo, the predominant style in Minas in the second half of the 18th Century.

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Igreja de São Francisco de Assis Church of Saint Francis of Assis The delicate decoration of the church is from the Rococo period. Master Ataíde, the greatest painter of Brazilian colonial art, responsible for the beautiful painting in the sacristy’s lining, is buried in lot number 96. Address: praça Minas Gerais Open Hours: Mondays to Sundays, from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00

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Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church of Our Lady of Carmo The facade possesses vigorous Rococo decoration, but the elegant inside ornamentation was lost in a fire in 1999. A few years later, this temple received first-rate restoration adaptations. Open Hours: Mondays to Sundays, from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00

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Casa de Câmara e Cadeia Council Town and Jailhouse This is one of the most beautiful buildings of mineira colonial architecture. The construction of this building, which still houses the Council Town, began in 1782. Open Hours: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 to 18:00; Weekends and Holidays, from 9:00 to 16:00 Pelourinho Pillory A rare piece of art, found in few cities. It was constructed in 1872 and measures around 5 metres. On its upper part is the Imperial crest and arms which hold a sword and scale, symbols of Justice. Finishing up the visit to the attractions in praça Tiradentes, go down São Francisco Lane, located right next to the church. Once there, visit house number 20, which, according to legend, acted as residence of the governor Dom Pedro de Almeida, the feared Count of Assumar. A few metres ahead are the Saint Francis Fountain, on the left, and the praça Gomes Freire, with beautiful mansions, on the right. Located in the square is another fountain.

Turn left onto the Frei Durão Street for the next visit which can’t be missed.

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Museu Arquidiocesano Archdiocesan Museum This museum was created to preserve the memory and culture of Minas, through the inheritance of the mineira colonial art. There are around 1500 pieces distributed throughout the museum, which reveal all of the religious life of the mineiros in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Address: rua Frei Durão, 49 Phone: 31 3557-2581 Open Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00

Following rua Frei Durão, you arrive once again at praça Cláudio Manoel and

the Sé Cathedral.

You can now take advantage of the time to have a look at the handicraft and souvenir shops.

This visit lasts about two and a half hours, and it is possible to join it with a visit to Ouro Preto. However, if you have more time enrich your visit to the

first capital, town, city and Bishopric headquarters of Minas. Ideally, reserve an entire day for these visits.

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Few attractions open on Mondays. In the months of January and July some churches open on Monday.

Wear comfortable shoes, these sites have many steep streets and

uneven paveme nts.

In almost all the attractions you need to save the bags and is not allowed to photograph the interior.

Visitation rates are charged.

Stay Tuned!

To complete information about the monuments and touristic services consult the page of Mariana

on descubraminas.com

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How to get to the region From Belo Horizonte – Mariana: 110 km BR-040 – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR 356 BR-356 – rodovia dos Inconfidentes until Ouro Preto There are two options: Option 1 BR-040 – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR 356 BR-356 – rodovia dos Inconfidentes until the entrance of Mariana Option 2 BR-040 – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR 356 BR-356 – rodovia dos Inconfidentes until Ouro Preto In Ouro Preto, continue along the rua Conselheiro Quintiliano

From Rio de Janeiro – 475 km There are two options: Option 1 BR-040 – in the direction of Belo Horizonte until the interchange with the BR 356 BR-356 – rodovia dos Inconfidentes – Enter the interchange to Mariana, 3 km before Ouro Preto Option 2 BR-040 – in the direction of Belo Horizonte until the interchange with the city of Ouro Branco Continue along the “Estrada Real” until the district Cachoeira do Campo, follow BR 356/ rodovia dos Inconfidentes – take the interchange to Mariana – 3 km before Ouro Preto From São Paulo – 675 km BR-381 – Fernão Dias BR-040 – in the direction of Rio de Janeiro until the interchange with the BR 356 BR-356 – rodovia dos Inconfidentes until Ouro Preto

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Gastronomy In this region, the visitor can appreciate the most famous and delicious dishes of the mineira culinary. Feijão-tropeiro Beans mixed with cassava flour and bacon. It is accompanied by sausage and/or pork and egg. It is served with rice and strung kale. Tutu de feijão Blended beans thickened with cassava flour. It is accompanied by sausage and/or pork and boiled eggs. It is served with rice and strung kale. Frango com quiabo Stewed chicken with diced okra. Served with rice and polenta. Frango ao molho pardo Chicken in a sauce prepared with the chicken’s own blood. It is served with rice and polenta. Bambá de couve A seasoned corn broth with small pieces of pork and/or bacon with strung kale. Goiabada cascão This dessert made of guava is produced in the district of São Bartolomeu. It is known in some English-speaking countries as guava cheese or guava paste. This particular kind contains pieces of actual guava fruit in the “cheese/paste”. Doce de leite Cream-like or in chopped pieces. In the region, one can try this wonderful caramel-coloured candy that is milk-based.

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Shopping The best options for those who wish to purchase regional products are: Soap Stone handicraft. Sisal Carpets Paintings, made by excellent artists can be bought in many galleries Cachaça: this region is the most famous for producing and commercializing cachaças of the finest quality.

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Events Principal events: Carnaval – dates vary Semana Santa – dates vary Corpus Christi – May Mês de Maria – May Festival da Vida – May Festival de Inverno (Winter Festival) – July Festa de Mariana – Dia de Minas Gerais – 16th of July Festa de São Roque – Second half of August Iron Biker – October

General Information Secretary of Tourism and Culture praça Tancredo Neves Phone: 31 3557-1158 Tour Guide Association praça Tancredo Neves Phone: 31 3557-1158 Bus Station rodovia dos Inconfidentes, Km 72 Phone.: 31 3557-1373

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