Things To Do in Mariana

From the bus stop, it is an easy stroll to all of Mariana's sights. Built according to a city plan in 1743, the old part of town has an easy-to-follow grid pattern. Following Rua Josafia Macedo out and then the parallel Rua Dom Viçoso back to the Praça Cláudio Manuel makes for a perfect loop. Starting off on Rua Josafia Macedo, the first stop of interest is Mariana's Pelourinho at the Praça Minas Gerais. This square is one of the few in Brazil that has kept the pelourinho (pillory) to attest to this bloody era of Brazilian history; the locals claim the square is haunted. Surrounding the pelourinho are the Igreja São Francisco de Assis, viewable upon request, the Igreja N.S. do Carmo, currently undergoing renovations after a recent fire, and the former jail and city council. Both churches were built in the late 18th century and are lovely examples of the local baroque architecture. Continuing up the street, now known as Rua D. Silverio, it is a pleasant 20-minute stroll to the top of the hill where the Basilica de São Pedro dos Clerigos overlooks the city from its vantage point. Coming back down, zigzagging through the side streets with beautifully preserved colonial houses, make your way to the Praça Gomes Freire, the main gathering place for locals. On the corner of the square you can still see one of the original drinking troughs used for watering the horses. After visiting the Museu de Arte Sacra and the Catedral Basilica da Sé, loop back to the bus station via the short Rua Direita, observing the colorful two-story houses.