5 Best Sights in Mariana, Minas Gerais

With works by noted artists Ataíde and Aleijadinho, Our Lady of Carmel Church is noteworthy for its impressive facade and sculpted soapstone designs. Ataíde is buried at the rear of the church, built in the late 1700s. A fire in 1999 during renovation nearly destroyed the site, sparing only the rococo-style altar.

Dominating the small Gold Town of Congonhas do Campo is the crowning effort of renowned sculptor Aleijadinho: the hilltop pilgrimage church Basílica Bom Jesus do Matosinho. Built in 1757, it's the focus of great processions during Holy Week. At the churchyard entrance are Aleijadinho's 12 life-size Old Testament prophets carved in soapstone, one of the greatest works of art from the baroque period. The prophets appear caught in movement, and every facial expression is unforgettable. Leading up to the church on the sloping hillside are six chapels, each containing a scene of the stations of the cross. The 66 figures in this remarkable procession were carved in cedar by Aleijadinho and painted by Manuel da Costa Ataíde and Francisco Xavier Carneiro.

Congonhas is about 50 km (31 miles) west of Mariana; take BR 356 to MG 440 to MG 030, then go north on BR 040. This is also a fairly easy trip by bus or car from Belo Horizonte (94 km/58 miles) or Tiradentes (130 km/81 miles).

The cathedral, completed in 1760, is best known for its 1701 German organ, built by Arp Schnitger. Transported by mule from Rio de Janeiro in 1720, the instrument was a gift from the Portuguese court to the first diocese in Brazil. This is the only Schnitger organ outside Europe, and one of the best preserved in the world. Concerts take place on Friday at 11 am and Sunday at 12:15 pm. To get a place near the organ, try to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Between Ouro Preto and Mariana lies Brazil's oldest gold mine. During the gold rush thousands of slaves perished at Mina de Ouro de Passagem because of its dangerous, backbreaking conditions. Although the mine is no longer in operation, you can ride an old mining car through 11 km (7 miles) of tunnels and see exposed quartz, graphite, and black tourmaline. Buses travel here from Ouro Preto (catch them beside the Escola de Minas) and cost about R$3.50; a taxi ride costs about R$40.

Wood and soapstone carvings by Aleijadinho and paintings by Ataíde are among the noteworthy items on exhibit at the Archdiocesan Museum of Sacred Art, also known as the Aleijadinho Museum. Located behind the Catedral Basílica da Sé in a well-composed rococo structure, the museum claims to have the state's largest collection of baroque painting and sculpture.