Historic churches in Sao Joao del Rei

São João del Rei's historic center preserves a dense collection of 18th-century religious architecture, representing the peak of the Brazilian gold cycle. This selection includes the Cathedral Basilica, featuring gold-laden woodcarvings, and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, a masterpiece of Rococo design. These sites showcase the work of prominent colonial artists and the distinct styles of different religious orders, from the ornate interiors of the Third Order of Mount Carmel to the historically significant churches built by local brotherhoods.