São Francisco de Assis Church (Ouro Preto)
Minas Gerais
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Ouro Preto, Brazil, is a renowned Rococo Catholic church designed by the celebrated 18th-century Brazilian architect and sculptor Antônio Francisco Lisboa, known as Aleijadinho. Construction began in 1766 and was completed towards the end of the 19th century. The church is distinguished by its unique circular bell towers and a soapstone frontispiece featuring Saint Francis receiving the stigmata. Its interior is richly adorned with gilded woodwork, high-reliefs, statues, and paintings, including the famous ceiling artwork "Glorification of Our Lady Among Musician Angels" by colonial master painter Manuel da Costa Ataíde. The church exemplifies the exuberant Rococo style prevalent in Minas Gerais during the colonial period and holds significant cultural and historical importance related to Brazil's gold mining era. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Town of Ouro Preto and is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and to check the official website for guided tours and group visit arrangements. Tickets and access may be limited during religious ceremonies, so booking in advance is recommended. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the historic site's uneven surfaces.
Interesting facts
- •The church features original circular bell towers and a unique soapstone frontispiece relief depicting Saint Francis receiving the stigmata, uncommon in Brazilian religious architecture of the 18th century.
- •Aleijadinho, the church's architect and sculptor, suffered from a debilitating disease (likely syphilis) that severely affected his hands, yet he continued to create masterpieces.
- •The ceiling painting by Manuel da Costa Ataíde is considered his most famous work and a highlight of Brazilian colonial art.
- •The church is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Town of Ouro Preto.
History
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi was commissioned by the Third Order of Saint Francis in the mid-18th century.
The initial request for construction permission was made in 1752, but official authorization was only granted in 1771 after a prolonged delay.
Construction began in 1766 under master mason Domingos Moreira de Oliveira, following Aleijadinho's designs.
The building process started with the chancel, progressing rapidly with the roof completed by 1774.
Interior decoration and gilded carvings were directed by Aleijadinho, with the altar-mor completed between 1790 and 1794.
The facade and towers evolved until masonry works concluded in 1794, while the nave's decoration extended into the late 19th century.
The ceiling paintings by Manuel da Costa Ataíde were executed between 1801 and 1812.
The church has undergone several restorations, preserving its artistic and architectural heritage.
Place Guide
Facade and Frontispiece1766-1794
The church's facade features a single entrance door framed by a soapstone frontispiece with a relief depicting Saint Francis receiving the stigmata, a unique element in Brazilian colonial religious architecture.
Circular Bell TowersLate 18th century
Distinctive circular bell towers crown the church, an innovative architectural feature at the time of construction in Brazil.
Interior Woodwork and Sculptures1774-1890
The interior is lavishly decorated with gilded wood carvings, high-reliefs, and statues designed and partially executed by Aleijadinho, showcasing Rococo artistry.
Ceiling Painting - "Glorification of Our Lady Among Musician Angels"1801-1812
This celebrated ceiling painting by Manuel da Costa Ataíde depicts the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels playing musical instruments, with saints and bishops along the edges, exemplifying colonial Rococo painting.
Altar-mor and Side Altars1790-1890
The main altar and lateral altars, designed by Aleijadinho, were constructed over several decades, featuring gilded carvings and religious iconography.
