Mariana, originally known as Nossa Senhora
do Carmo, came into existence with the discovery of gold along the Ribeirão
Nossa Senhora do Carmo river in 1696. Known informally as the Primeira Cidade
(First City), it is indeed a city of firsts: It was the first vila established
in the state and soon became the first state capital, and a major center for
the burgeoning gold trade. In 1745, the Portuguese king, Dom João V, renamed
the city after his wife, Maria Ana D'Austria. Around the same time, the city
became the seat of the first bishopric in the state and hence became an
important religious
