Mariana, Minas Gerais
Mariana | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Mariana | |
|
Flag Coat of arms | |
| Anthem: Hino de Mariana | |
Location in Minas Gerais | |
| Coordinates: 20°22′42″S 43°23′59″W / 20.37833°S 43.39972°W | |
| Country | Brazil |
| Region | Southeast |
| State | Minas Gerais |
| Founded | July 16, 1696 |
| Incorporated (city) | April 23, 1745 |
| Named after | Maria Anna of Austria |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Juliano Vasconcelos Gonçalves (PSB) |
| Area | |
| 1,194.208 km2 (461.086 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 11.77 km2 (4.54 sq mi) |
| • Rank | Local Centre (5) |
| Elevation | 697 m (2,287 ft) |
| Highest elevation (Pico do Itacolomi) | 1,772 m (5,814 ft) |
| Population (2022) | |
| 61,387 | |
| • Density | 5,140/km2 (13,300/sq mi) |
| Demonym | marianense |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (BRT) |
| CEP (postal code) | 35420-000 |
| Area code | 31 |
| HDI (2010) | 0.742 – high |
| Website | www |
Mariana (Portuguese: [maɾiˈɐ̃nə]) is a municipality in the Southeastern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. As of 2022, the city had a population of 61,387, estimated to be at around 64,058 in 2024, making it the 59th most populous city in its state. Known for its characteristic colonial-style architecture, Mariana is the oldest settlement in Minas Gerais, as well as the first to be officially ordained with the status of "city", in the mid-18th century.
Situated along the lower contours of a river valley and surrounded by many rocky escarpments, Mariana has both historical and contemporary ties to the mining industry, having been founded on the very same spot where gold was first spotted by Portuguese explorers in the late 17th century. Although mining is largely responsible for the historical economic development of the region, the city of Mariana has also been at the centre of an unprecedented disaster brought about by the mining industry, with the 2015 Samarco levee rupture and floods.
Due to its cultural legacy and the active conservation of its many historical sites, Mariana is a popular tourist destination, making tourism another important component of the local economy. As such, the city is part of the Caminho dos Diamantes (Portuguese for 'Diamonds Path') section of the Estrada Real, the largest tourist route in Brazil, featuring dozens of other historically significant destinations – such as the town of Ouro Preto, only 18 kilometres (11 mi) west of Mariana.