Sao Francisco Church and Convent, Salvador

Built between 1708 and 1723, Sao Francisco Church and Convent is celebrated for its exuberant interior decoration including an important repository of Baroque art. As you approach the façade, you'll see a large stone cross and volute columns influenced by Mannerist architecture. Inside, all the walls, pillars, vaults, and ceilings are covered by golden sculptures made from gilt woodwork and ornate paintings. Blue and white tiles called azulejo depicting scenes from the life of St Francis of Assisi cover the lower parts of the walls in the main chapel and transept. The Portuguese-Brazilian Baroque gilt woodwork that you'll see in this church is a perfect example of igreja dourada, or "golden church." Plan your Sao Francisco Church and Convent visit and explore what else you can see and do in Salvador using our Salvador trip maker website.