Minas Gerais Square

The layout of “Minas Gerais” Square began to take shape in accordance with the urban plan by Alpoim, responsible for changes in the appearance of “Vila do Carmo” from the 1740s.

It was planned to align the longitudinal streets and create new streets and buildings based on the existing layout, with the “Sé” Church as a reference. Around 1760, the construction of the three buildings that make up the impressive architectural complex of the square began, including the Mariana City Council and Jail, the Third Order Church of “São Francisco”, and the “Carmo” Church.

Before this complex was installed, the area housed an old military barracks called “Quartel dos Dragões".

Source: Mariana Tourism Portal