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About Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco
The Igreja e Convento de São Francisco (Church and Convent of St. Francis) is an extraordinary monument of Portuguese colonial architecture located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Built between 1708 and 1723, it stands as one of the most impressive examples of Baroque religious art in Latin America.
The church's relatively austere exterior belies its interior, which is renowned for its breathtaking opulence. Upon entering, visitors are immediately struck by the lavish gold-leafed woodwork (talha dourada) that adorns virtually every surface. Approximately 800 kilograms of gold leaf cover the intricate carvings of angels, plants, and Portuguese colonial symbols throughout the nave, chapels, and altars.
The church's ceiling features magnificent paintings by José Joaquim da Rocha depicting scenes from St. Francis of Assisi's life. The sacristy displays exquisite Portuguese azulejo tiles portraying biblical and Franciscan narratives.
A unique feature is the convent's cloister with its walls decorated with blue and white Portuguese tiles (azulejos) from the 1740s depicting allegorical scenes and Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake, providing valuable historical documentation.
The complex houses a museum with an impressive collection of sacred art, including baroque sculptures, paintings, furniture, and silver artifacts from the colonial period.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Salvador's historic center in 1985, the Igreja e Convento de São Francisco represents a stunning fusion of European, African, and indigenous influences that characterized Brazil's colonial art.
Today, it continues to function as both an active religious site and one of Salvador's most visited cultural landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into Brazil's rich colonial heritage.
