Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks Church

The Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks Church of Mariana is one of the most majestic and imposing religious temples of “Minas Gerais” baroque.

It houses renowned works by artists such as Master Ataíde and Master Francisco Vieira Servas. The initiative for its construction fell to the brotherhoods of Rosário, São Benedito and Santa Efigênia.

On May 14, 1752, the foundation stone was laid. José Pereira dos Santos, of Portuguese nationality, was responsible for its construction. The work was completed on December 21, 1758.

However, the internal decoration of the main altar, side altars, tribunes and other adornments was only completed in the first half of the 19th century.

The sculptor Francisco Vieira Servas adjusted the carving of the Main Altar between 1770 and 1775. In 1823, Manoel da Costa Ataíde (1762-1830) was entrusted with the painting and gilding of the Main Altar and the lining of the Main Chapel.

The service was delivered in 1826. The Main Altarpiece has in the center, on the throne, the Patron Saint “Nossa Senhora do Rosário”.

On the left, in a side niche, the image of “São Domingos de Gusmão”. On the right, the image of “Santo Antônio de Cartagena”, known as “Santo Antônio de Categeró” or “Noto”.

As for the painting on the main chapel’s ceiling, it was designed by Manoel da Costa Ataíde. It was possibly begun in 1823.

The illusionist painting shows, in the center, the representation of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, sitting on clouds, raised to heaven by angels and, around her head, a luminous halo.

Next to the altar, there are two credenzas, from the second half of the 18th century.

The carving is attributed to Francisco Vieira Servas and the painting and gilding, to Manoel da Costa Ataíde. (Source: Mariana Tourism Portal).

Address: Rua Monsenhor Horta, Rosário, Mariana - MG
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9am to 12pm - 2pm to 5:30pm