The town of Mariana in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is notable for its historic and architectural significance, especially from the Portuguese colonial era when it was a mining hub along with the nearby town of Ouro Preto. Mariana, once the capital of the diocese and home to the Archbishop, boasts many baroque churches and buildings. The baroque cathedral, with its richly gilded interior and dual front towers, is a centerpiece of this historic townscape. Its ornate organ, installed high on a timber loft near the entrance, is unique as the only original organ in the Arp Schnitger construction style in the southern hemisphere.

Originally built for a church in Lisbon, the organ's exact initial location remains uncertain, though it features a Franciscan emblem. In 1711, Johann Heinrich Hulenkampf contracted to build an organ for the São Francisco convent in Lisbon, which might be the one later sent to Mariana. Hypothetically, the organ was gifted to Mariana by the Portuguese King, and in 1752, it was shipped to Brazil in 18 boxes. After a challenging journey, the organ was installed in Mariana's cathedral, enhanced with chinoiserie decoration, which matched the cathedral's choir's style and saved from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Over the centuries, the organ underwent various modifications and suffered from neglect, becoming unplayable. In the late 20th century, recognition of its significance led to restoration efforts, first by the Rudolf von Beckerath company in Hamburg, then a more comprehensive restoration by Bernhardt H. Edskes in 2001. This latter restoration aimed to return the organ to its original state, addressing pitch, wind system, key and stop action, and reeds reconstruction. The organ now stands as a testament to its historical and cultural value, mirroring the impressive Schnitger organ in Faro and showcasing the Hamburg workshop's craftsmanship.

Additionals: Schiebkoppel II/I, Tremulant

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