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Historic Churches of Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto’s religious architecture represents the height of the Brazilian Gold Rush, showcasing intricate Baroque and Rococo styles. These 18th-century churches, many designed by the renowned sculptor Aleijadinho, feature elaborate soapstone carvings and ceilings painted by Manuel da Costa Ataíde. From the opulent gold-leaf interiors of the Mother Church of Our Lady of the Pillar to the unique curved facade of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, these sites reflect the wealth and artistic sophistication of colonial Minas Gerais.

Historic Churches of Ouro Preto — Harita

Erikson Verissimo / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a Rococo Catholic church in Ouro Preto, Brazil.

Regina Giovanini Geraldino / CC-BY-SA

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Our Lady of the Pillar Mother Church

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, popularly called the Our Lady of the Pillar Mother Church, is one…

Ricardo André Frantz / CC BY 3.0

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Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

Designed by Manuel Francisco Lisboa and later modified by his son, Aleijadinho, this 18th-century church features a Rococo facade and an interior decorated with Portuguese azulejos and altars carved by prominent colonial artists.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

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Igreja Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia

Constructed between 1771 and 1793, this church is often referred to as "Mercês de Cima." It sits on a hill overlooking the city and features a traditional colonial facade typical of the Minas Gerais Baroque period.

Ricardo André Frantz / CC BY 3.0

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Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

This 18th-century parish church serves as the final resting place of the sculptor Aleijadinho. Designed by Manuel Francisco Lisboa, the building houses the Aleijadinho Museum and features eight secondary altars with intricate Baroque carvings.

Kayo Scrocaro Hisatomi / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões

Known locally as "Mercês de Baixo," this 18th-century church features a simple facade that contrasts with its historical significance to the local religious brotherhoods of the colonial era.

Regina Giovanini Geraldino / CC-BY-SA

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Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos

Distinguished by its rare elliptical floor plan and curved facade, this church was built by the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men. It represents a unique architectural departure from traditional rectangular colonial designs.

Regina Giovanini Geraldino / CC-BY-SA

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Igreja de São Francisco de Paula

Located on one of the highest points in Ouro Preto, this church offers panoramic views of the historic center. Construction began in 1804, making it one of the last religious buildings completed during the city's colonial era.

Regina Giovanini Geraldino / CC-BY-SA

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Igreja de São José

This church features a bell tower and facade designed by Aleijadinho. Built for the Brotherhood of Saint Joseph of the Married Men, it contains altars that transition from the Baroque to the Rococo style.

Regina Giovanini Geraldino / CC-BY-SA

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Igreja Matriz de Santa Rita

A traditional 18th-century parish church located in the district of Santa Rita. It serves as a center for local religious festivals and preserves colonial architectural elements characteristic of the region's rural chapels.