The enchanted city, founded in 1696, was, for a short time the capital of State of Minas Gerais. It was originaly called Royal Village of Our Lady of Carmel.

In 1745 it received its present name which was in honor of Queen Maria Ana. A walk down its picturesque streets allows you to see houses which date from the beginning of the XVIII century, with their balconies of wood, iron and even soapstone.

In Minas Gerais Plaza, the churches of St. Francis of Assissi with its richly sculptured door, our Lady of Carmel, the City Hall and the Pillory can be found.