Work began on the Catédral Basílica de N. S. da Assunção, one of the oldest churches in Minas (1709-1760), barely 12 years after gold had been discovered in the region. Its rectangular shape and the simplicity of its design are typical of early Mineiro Baroque. Exuberance is confined to the interior, in which you will find a painting by Manuel da Costa Ataíde, who grew up in the village, and a piece attributed to Aleijadinho. The splendid German organ (1701) is an Arp Schnitger. Make sure you are on time for the concerts as the doors close once the performance begins.