✨ Church and Convent of São Francisco (Salvador)
Brazil
About This Sacred Site
The Church and Convent of São Francisco in Salvador, Bahia, is widely regarded as the most opulent church in Brazil and one of the finest examples of Portuguese baroque in the world. Built between 1686 and 1752, every single interior surface — walls, columns, ceiling — is covered in intricate carvings plated with gold leaf, using an estimated 800 kilograms of gold. The effect is overwhelming, earning it the nickname 'the Golden Church.' The church also contains stunning Portuguese azulejo (blue and white tile) panels depicting the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Salvador was Brazil's first capital and the center of the sugar trade that funded such extraordinary religious art. The Pelourinho district surrounding it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Facts
- •Every interior surface is covered in gold leaf — an estimated 800 kg of gold
- •Built between 1686 and 1752, one of the finest Portuguese baroque churches
- •Contains remarkable azulejo tile panels depicting the life of St. Francis
- •Salvador was Brazil's first capital (1549-1763) and funded by the sugar trade
- •Part of the Pelourinho historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location
Coordinates: -12.9728, -38.5100
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