Day Trip to Mariana & Congonhas

Embark on a captivating journey through history with our Mariana and Congonhas excursion, unraveling the pivotal role these cities played in the Brazilian Gold Route and exploring the masterpieces of the renowned Minas Gerais artist, Aleijadinho.

Tour itinerary: Congonhas and Mariana excursion

Pick up from your hotel in Ouro Preto will occur at the scheduled time. The expedition includes visits to Mariana and Congonhas, both significant cities in Minas Gerais.

The first stop is Congonhas, noted for its 17th-century history. The visit starts at the Sanctuary of the Lord Good Jesus of Matosinhos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, known for its architectural significance and as a colonial-era pilgrimage center.

The courtyard features sculptures of the Twelve Prophets of the Old Testament, created by Aleijadinho in the early 19th century. The tour continues to the chapels of Passos da Paixão de Cristo, with depictions of the Passion of Christ and concludes at Congonhas' museum.

After a one-hour lunch break at a local restaurant, the next stop is Mariana, the former capital of Minas Gerais. A guided tour of Minas Gerais Square showcases colonial-era monuments, including the Pelourinho and Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, now City Hall.

The visit continues to the Cathedral (Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption), constructed in 1703, and the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, completed in 50 years. The tour culminates at the Passagem mine, offering insights into precious metal extraction.

After nine hours, the tour concludes with a return to Ouro Preto.