Travel Guide Mariana

Mariana, too often overshadowed by its proximity to Ouro Preto, is another of Brazil's colonial pearls. The city is well worth a visit for its rich history and architectural heritage. It was the first city founded in Minas Gerais. On July 16, 1696, bandeirantes from São Paulo, in search of precious metals, founded Mariana on the banks of a gold-charged river. The town did not survive the gradual drying up of the gold mines, and Mariana entered a long period of torpor. A remarkable wealth of architecture remains from this golden period, including numerous churches in the purest Mineiro Baroque style. In fact, the city reunites with its rich past one day a year. July 16 was chosen as Minas Gerais State Day and, since 1980, every year on this date, the state capital is symbolically transferred to Mariana for a day full of festivities and color.Today, Mariana is a haven of peace where you can admire the rich Baroque churches fashioned by the skilful hands of Aleijadinho and Mestre Ataide. It's easy to explore on foot, stopping off in its shady squares to sample some of the rich mineiras cuisine. Well connected to Ouro Preto, it's an ideal half-day getaway, which can be combined with a visit to the Passagem mines, major relics of the region's important mining activity.