Religiosity is a strong characteristic of Salvadoran people.
A finding that can be exemplified by the 160 churches spread across Salvador da Bahia, true monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries that concretely illustrate the power of Catholicism at the time.
In addition to the religious temples, the Afro culture of Candomblé is also present throughout Salvador – from the tents of Shrimp bean ball with their baianas dressed in white in honor of Oxalá to more than 500 terreiros spread throughout the city.
Among the most impressive religious buildings in Bahia, the Church of São Francisco stands out. The interior is almost entirely covered in gold – more than 100 kilos of the precious metal were used in the decoration.
When light enters through the church doors, the bright reflection is a spectacle in its own right. This usually occurs around 17 pm, when the doors are opened for the faithful to participate in mass.
A Church of Senhor do Bonfim it is also among the most famous, mainly for the traditional washing of the stairs.
The ceremony, always held on the second Thursday after the Day of the Three Kings, brings together women from Bahia in traditional costumes and hundreds of clay pots with scented water. But, in addition to the washing rite, the interior of the church impresses with the paintings on the ceiling, made in 1820 by the Spaniard Francisco Velasco.
A finding that can be exemplified by the 160 churches spread across the city, true monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries that concretely illustrate the power of Catholicism at the time.
In addition to the religious temples, the Afro culture of candomble it is also present throughout Salvador – from the acarajé stalls with their Bahia girls dressed in white in honor of Oxalá to more than 500 terreiros spread throughout the city.
Among the most impressive religious buildings in Bahia, the Church of São Francisco stands out. The interior is almost entirely covered in gold – more than 100 kilos of the precious metal were used in the decoration.
When light enters through the church doors, the bright reflection is a spectacle in its own right. This usually occurs around 17 pm, when the doors are opened for the faithful to participate in mass.
The Church of Senhor do Bonfim is also among the most famous, mainly for the traditional washing of the stairs.
The ceremony, always held on the second Thursday after the Day of the Three Kings, brings together women from Bahia in traditional costumes and hundreds of clay pots with scented water. But, in addition to the washing rite, the interior of the church impresses with the paintings on the ceiling, made in 1820 by the Spaniard Francisco Velasco.
Videos about the Churches in Salvador – History and Architecture
See also other features Evolution and History of Visual Arts in the Northeast e o Salvador Historic Center
Churches in Salvador – History and Architecture
- cathedral basilica
- Convent of Santa Teresa
- Church of the Afflicted
- Bonfim's Church
- Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia or Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia
- Church of Our Lady of Mont Serrat
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Blacks
- Church and Convent of San Francisco
- Church of the Third Order of San Francisco
- Church of Our Lady of Pilar and Santa Luzia
- Cathedral Basilica of the Savior
- Church of Our Lady of the Seas
- Our Lady of Alagados Parish
- Church and Convent of Santa Clara do Desterro
- Sanctuary of Santa Dulce dos Pobres
- Church of Our Lady of Victory
- Santo Antônio Além do Carmo Church (Santo Antônio Além do Carmo neighborhood)
1. Cathedral Basilica
Address: Praça 15 de Novembro, y/n, Terreiro de Jesus
Built in the 17th century, it welcomes visitors with representations of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier and St. Francis de Borja.
The mother of all Bahian churches has bells imported from Portugal and, inside, ornate altarpieces from different periods.
Open to the public from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 13:30 pm to 17:9 pm; Sundays, only for masses, at 18am and XNUMXpm.
2. Convent of Santa Teresa
Address: Rua do Sodré, 276, Center
One of the attractions of this monastery is the Museum of Sacred Art, one of the main ones in the Northeast, with a permanent exhibition of religious objects from the colonial period.
Set from the mid-XNUMXth century, it is considered one of the most important monuments of religious architecture from the Brazilian colonial period.
It has beautiful gardens, with a panoramic view of the Baía de Todos os Santos, which make this place one of the most pleasant places in historic Salvador.
The building houses the Museum of Sacred Art, maintained by the Federal University of Bahia, with around 1.400 pieces in the collection – including wooden and terracotta images, sculptures, paintings, tile panels, silverware and furniture – dating from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century.
See also other features History of the Convent and Church of Santa Teresa or Museum of Sacred Art UFBa in Salvador BA
3. Church of the Afflicted
Address: Rua dos Aflitos
The Igreja dos Aflitos was built with money from alms and donations from the Portuguese Antônio Soares, who founded the temple, in the XNUMXth century, on a slope of the geological fault, where, in the XNUMXth century, Av. do Contorno emerged.
From it you can see the sea and the houses of Gamboa. It is so beautiful, the place is one of the few viewpoints of Baía de Todos-os-Santos that still exist in Salvador.
The temple's neighborhood also deserves attention, especially the houses with typical 19th century architecture. Visits from Monday to Friday, from 8:12 am to 14:30 pm and from 18:XNUMX pm to XNUMX:XNUMX pm.
4. Church of Bonfim
Foundation: 1745
Address: Praça Senhor do Bonfim, in the Bonfim district, known as Colina Sagrada.
The most famous religious temple in Bahia is not considered the biggest or the most beautiful.
However, in its 237 years, it carries the weight of Bahian history and culture. Internally, one of the most visited spaces is the Sala dos Milagres and the Ex-votos Museum.
It is the most popular church in Bahia. The traditional washing of the stairs of the Bonfim's Church attracts thousands of pilgrims, faithful and tourists on the second Thursday of January, after Epiphany.
The facade is partially covered with tiles. The interior of the temple was built in neoclassical style.
The gates that surround the space are covered with thousands of ribbons of Senhor do Bonfim, symbols of the Bahian faith, placed by faithful from all over the world who visit the temple and make requests to the saint.
One of Salvador's trademarks is the Senhor do Bonfim ribbon, these are delivered to the church of the saint of the same name, located in Largo do Bonfim, which is considered a historic landmark of the Bahian capital.
In addition to picking up the traditional ribbons and placing your orders, tourists can discover the architecture of the church, which dates back to 1745.
For those who visit the religious temple, you can still get to know the popular Lavagem do Bonfim, which takes place on the second Thursday of the year, and is considered the second largest popular manifestation in Bahia, second only to Carnival.
5. Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia Church
Address: Rua da Conceição da Praia, in the Comércio district, close to two major postcards of Salvador: Elevador Lacerda and Mercado Modelo.
Foundation: 1549
Large, naturally lit and facing the sea, the Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia Church or Basilica de Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia was prefabricated in Alentejo, Portugal. The lioz stones were numbered in the village and brought to the colony, where they were assembled in 1765.
The greatest treasure is on the nave's ceiling, which features an illusionist painting made in 1772 by the master José Joaquim da Rocha, founder of the Escola Baiana de Pintura and one of the greatest names in Brazilian baroque.
The church guards the ruins of Salvador's first house of prayer and was founded by the 1st governor general of Brazil, Thomé de Souza.
The temple, which has a Baroque style, has the only 3D ceiling painting in Latin America.
The artwork was produced in the shape of a nave and has a dimension of 633,60 m² and 18,20 cm in height. The technique used was oil painting.
The neoclassical façade differs from other colonial churches in Bahia, with diagonally arranged towers. Open on Mondays from 7am to 12pm and from 14pm to 17pm; Tuesday to Friday, between 7am and 17pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 12pm.
See History of the Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia
6. Church of Our Lady of Mont Serrat
Address: Rua Santa Rita Durão, Ponta do Humaitá.
Foundation: 1580
His foundation of the primitive sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat does not have an exact history, but some believe that its construction happened by the governor of Brazil Francisco de Souza, at the same time that he built the fort of São Felipe, with its foundation in 1580.
The architectural complex dates from the second half of the 17th century, with a project by the Italian architect Baccio de Filicaya.
The little church was built by the governor-general of Brazil Francisco de Souza, at the same time he built the São Felipe fort. Francisco de Souza donated the temple to the São Bento Monastery.
The Church and Monastery of Monte Serrat were listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) for their cultural importance.
At the beginning of the 20th century, it was renovated and the main altar received ornaments from the Church of São Bento. It houses an image of São Pedro Arrependido, by Frei Agostinho da Piedade.
Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, next to Porte de Mont Serrat, the church stands on a rock that juts out into the sea, giving the impression of being integrated into the scenery.
7. Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos Church
Foundation: 1685
Address: Praça José de Alencar, in Largo do Pelourinho, Historic Center of Salvador.
Building that integrates the architectural heritage of Pelourinho, the church, with a rococo style façade, was built especially to welcome the faithful who immigrated from the African coast.
Built between 1704 and 1796, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos began to be built in 1704. Completed in 1796, it was built by slaves and dyed the heart of the Historic Center blue.
Heritage from pre-abolition times, the back of the church has a slave cemetery.
The facade, with a rococo pediment, brings together well-crafted works and beautiful towers. Inside, the tile panels, neoclassical altars and three images from the 18th century stand out: Nossa Senhora do Rosário, São Antônio de Cartagerona and São Benedito.
The ceiling panel is by José Joaquim da Rocha.
Its differential is its religious identity. It was built by enslaved blacks of the Christian faith, who did not have a space to celebrate their beliefs.
During masses, the faithful sing and dance to the sound of drums, agagogôs and tambourines, instruments related to African culture.
According to the brotherhood's prior, Leomar Borges, this is the only church dedicated to black saints that holds the title of Third Order, given by the curia on July 2, 1899. The church has a rococo style and neoclassical altars.
The masses have an atypical characteristic of religious syncretism, where Candomblé and Catholicism stand side by side.
On Tuesdays, at 18 pm, and on Sundays, at 10 am, masses are said with the sound of African ritual atabaques.
8. Church and Convent of São Francisco
The first disciples of Saint Francis of Assisi arrived in Salvador in 1587, the year in which the first convent was probably founded.
A few decades later, when there was the Dutch invasion of 1624, both the church and the friars' premises were in rubble, and it was necessary to undertake the reconstruction of the complex.
And, with the growth of the order, in 1686, the Franciscan superior, Friar Vicente das Chagas, promoted the works that were not only expansion, but practically the construction of a new convent and a new church, which should have dimensions much larger than the previous ones.
Thus, on the feast of St. Anthony that year, the cornerstone of the new church was laid.
The works spanned many years and over several generations of friars.
In 1713, under the direction of the superior Friar Hilário da Visitação, the church already had altars (still without gold) and was consecrated. But the general structure of the building would only be completed ten years later, when the façade, entirely covered with stone, was completed.
Throughout the XNUMXth century, many additions were made to the beautification of the Church and Convent of San Francisco: new altars were made (and the existing ones were covered in gold), ceiling decoration, wall cladding with Lisbon tiles, placement of balustrades, etc.
This church is considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil, and one of the best examples of Portuguese baroque in the world.
9. Church of the Third Order of San Francisco
Foundation: 1703
Address: Rua da Ordem Terceira, Pelourinho, Historic Center.
Exemplary expressive of baroque in Brazil, the Church of the Third Order of San Francisco, located in Salvador, Bahia, had its foundation stone installed on January 1, 1702.
Its exuberant high-relief facade, carved in carved limestone with sandstone corners, has in its central niche the image of San Francisco, carved in marble.
The original Baroque interior was replaced by neoclassical altars between 1827 and 1828.
Os portuguese tiles, however, they were mostly kept and are distributed through the cloister, consistory, corridors and galleries of the church.
In them can be seen scenes of Lisbon before the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1755 and the procession of the wedding of Infante Dom José with Dona Maria Ana de Bourbon.
The church also houses important works of sacred art, such as the sculpture of the dead Lord who cries tears of rubies, by Francisco das Chagas Xavier, in addition to a room of the saints in which life-size images of these saints are exposed.
The Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco was built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries and is an architecture that refers to the Spanish Baroque.
In the Church, there are paintings on the ceiling and a set of Portuguese tiles from the colonial period. Among the curiosities about the church, it is said that more than a ton of gold was used for internal decoration.
10. Nossa Senhora do Pilar and Santa Luzia Church
Foundation: 1710
Address: Praça do Pilar, 55, in the Comércio district.
Built in rococo style, with rocky decorations and soft paintings, the church's greatest attraction is the Santa Luzia fountain, known as the protector saint of the eyes.
Thousands of worshipers visit the temple and bathe their eyes at a fountain located in the church, in the belief that they will have their visual problems resolved.
11. Cathedral Basilica Primatial of the Savior
Foundation: 1672
Address: Terreiros de Jesus, Pelourinho, in the Historic Center of Salvador.
Considered the “mother church” of all Catholic churches in Salvador, the Cathedral Basilica houses the main liturgical events of the state, presided over by the primate archbishop.
Built in a genuinely Baroque style, the church has a magnificent collection of sacred art.
It is the largest temple built by the Jesuits in Brazil.
12. Our Lady of the Seas Church
Foundation: The current parish church was built between 1930 and 1956.
Address: Praça Padre Manoel da Natividade, in Largo dos Mares.
However, Church of Our Lady of the Seas it was the first temple dedicated to the saint and was founded in the same region almost 200 years earlier, in 1749. The space was demolished for the construction of the new temple.
It is the only church in Bahia built in the neo-Gothic style, characterized by its verticality, pyramid-shaped roof, pointed towers and predominance of windows and rosettes.
13. Our Lady of Alagados Parish
Foundation: July 7, 1980, during the first visit of Pope John Paul II to Brazil.
Address: Rua Luiz Régis Pacheco, in the Alagados region, in the neighborhood of Uruguai.
Unlike secular churches, the church was built in a contemporary architectural style, covered with exposed bricks that draw rectangular and circular shapes.
The church is located in a suburb of the Bahian capital.
14. Church and Convent of Santa Clara do Desterro
Foundation: 1677
Address: R. Santa Clara, S/N – Nazaré, Salvador
The Convent of Santa Clara do Desterro was founded in 1677, when four sisters from the Order of Poor Clares, from Évora, Portugal, came to Brazil in order to implement religious teaching.
When they arrived in Bahia, they stayed on board the ship for 10 days, waiting for some works to be completed in the Convent, which until then was nothing more than a small church, called Desterro.
Started in 1681, in a place where there was a small church and the Hospício do Desterro, then with 05 or 06 cells, it is the first convent of nuns in the country.
The convent of the Poor Clares is built around two cloisters, with the church on one side.
The architectural composition is enhanced by the tower from the first half of the XNUMXth century. XVIII, with a bulbous ending, located in the body that divides the cloisters and also, by the belvedere – common element in religious convents – which is used there for the first time in Bahia.
The church, volumetrically inserted in the rectangle of the composition, has a single nave, chancel, “low choir” and “high choir” and lateral access, with neoclassical decoration, the result of the renovations of the XNUMXth century.
On the first floor of the convent, there is the chapel of the Santíssimo Crucifixo dos Passos, with an altar and altarpieces from the XNUMXth century.
The convent has a large amount of implements, silver objects and furniture from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
In the year 1907, by superior decree. The order stopped training nuns, because the novitiate was prohibited. The few surviving Poor Clares were transmitting their teachings and their functions to their followers, the Franciscan Sisters.
To continue the work of the Clarissas, there are currently 20 sisters in the Convent of Desterro, in charge of maintaining an orphanage for 50 children.
The older ones, says Sister Maria do Rosário, help with sewing, preparing sweets and liqueurs and with kitchen work, sold so that the maintenance of the boarding school can be guaranteed.
In addition, the Convent currently has a school on a day school basis and with the monthly fees raised, it provides financial support for assistance works.
In its three centuries of operation, the Convent of Desterro has already undergone some repairs, but still retains much of the old structure.
See also History of the Church and Convent of Santa Clara do Desterro
15. Sanctuary of Santa Dulce dos Pobres
Foundation: 2003
Address: Av. Bonfim oil palm trees, in Largo de Roma, Salvador
The one known as Santa Dulce dos Pobres, Sister Dulce, was canonized in October 2019 by Pope Francis, becoming the first saint born in Brazil.
The sanctuary is where the tomb is located that holds the remains of the “Good Angel of Bahia”, as it is called by many faithful.
Santa Dulce dos Pobres Sanctuary, visitors can also attend masses and learn a little about the life and work of Sister Dulce at the memorial that keeps the story of her life and work.
Always with its doors open to welcome and provide spiritual support to those most in need, the Sanctuary of Santa Dulce dos Pobres has been in operation since 2003 and was built thanks to the help of the faithful and donations.
The sanctuary is located in Salvador, next to the headquarters of Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce (OSID), in Largo de Roma, and has a capacity for more than 1.000 people seated.
The church began to be built in 2002, from the Brick Campaign, in the same place where, in the 40s of the XNUMXth century, Sister Dulce had built the Círculo Operário da Bahia and the Cine Roma.
Chapel of Relics
It is in the Sanctuary that the relics (term used to designate the body or part of the body of the blessed or saints) of the Good Angel of Brazil are deposited, in a space called Capela das Relíquias – a circular room, with triple height, with the center the tomb that holds the remains of the Mother of the Poor.
A place of devotion and faith, the Chapel of Relics was opened on June 09, 2010, when the body of the then Venerable Dulce was transferred from the Santo Antônio Chapel (located in the Sister Dulce Memorial) to her new home. The transfer was made after the exhumation of the nun's body, followed by a vigil.
In September 2019, the site underwent a new renovation, gaining a glass tomb with a life-size effigy of Santa Dulce dos Pobres.
16. Church of Our Lady of Victory
Foundation: 1561
Address: Rodrigues Lima Square, in Largo da Vitória, Salvador
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Vitória was listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) for its historical importance, the temple is the second oldest in Brazil. Built in the XNUMXth century, the church houses a large number of baroque images from the XNUMXth century Bahian school.
The temple underwent several reforms over time, the place has great architectural beauty, with neoclassical elements on its facade. Visitors to the church can still discover its beautiful view of the Baía de Todos os Santos.
The sanctuary was built by the Portuguese in the XNUMXth century and houses a large number of baroque images from the XNUMXth century Bahian school.
The building was renovated several times, and in 1910 the facade was modified with the addition of neoclassical elements.
Due to the changes, the site is now undergoing a restoration that intends to return the Church to the characteristics of the original architecture, from the XNUMXth century. All buildings added to the temple in recent years are being demolished.
17. Santo Antônio Além do Carmo Church
Foundation: 1594
Address: Santo Antonio Square, Salvador
The Santo Antônio Além do Carmo Church was founded in 1594 in honor of Santo Antônio.
Santo Antônio Church was founded in 1594 in honor of Santo Antônio. From a small chapel, it underwent expansions and renovations, having been the scene of Dutch invasions and also of Portuguese resistance.
Throughout history, the temple underwent renovations, from a small chapel to the church it is today.
Its facade has a rococo style and its interior is lined with neoclassical carvings. On site, you can watch the sunset and follow parties that take place in the courtyard of the church.
Its main temple, the Church of Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, was rebuilt in 1813 where there had been a primitive temple.
Bairro Santo Antônio Além do Carmo is more than a church
Santo Antônio Além do Carmo is a peculiar neighborhood that is part of the historic center of Salvador and offers a bit of leisure, history, gastronomy and architecture.
The visit to a religious temple, which dates from the first years of colonization in Brazil and is located on the edge of the Historic Center of Salvador.
It is a set of pleasant activities, which begins with the visit itself, added with historical and cultural knowledge among the houses and cobbled streets of the Santo Antônio neighborhood, and can end with one of the most beautiful views of the sunset in the city. Baía de Todos os Santos and a beer, coffee, acarajé or pastries, in one of the countless bars and cafes in the region.
All this makes the Church of Santo Antônio Além do Carmo a delightful walk, one of the most pleasant for anyone in the Historic Center of Salvador, whether tourist or Salvadoran.
Centuries of Brazilian history, architecture in different styles, the typical culture of Bahia and the wide and beautiful view of Baía de Todos os Santos are gathered in the same itinerary.
The story goes that the Church of Santo Antônio was founded in 1594 in honor of Santo Antônio. From a small chapel, it underwent expansions and renovations, having been the scene of Dutch invasions and also of Portuguese resistance.
It is said that Father Antônio Vieira, to prevent Dutch troops from conquering Salvador, used the pulpit of the church to preach his sermon 'At the edge of the trenches', which, for 40 days, defended the city against Nassau troops.
beyond the gates – In the colonial period, the urban limits of Salvador ended where today is the lower part of Largo do Pelourinho, between the access to Baixa dos Sapateiros, Ladeira do Taboão (which leads to Cidade Baixa) and the climb to Convento do Carmo.
O term “Beyond Carmo” is an allusion to its geographical position, since the church was located beyond one of the entrance doors to the city of Salvador – the Portas do Convento do Carmo.
Until the beginning of the XNUMXth century, the Santo Antônio neighborhood was the residence of aristocrats, which can be seen in the neatness of the facades of the two houses and the asymmetry of its streets. However.
There, in addition to the set of churches and the Convento do Carmo, are the church of Boqueirão and, at the end, next to the old Forte do Barbalho (currently Forte da Capoeira), the Church of Santo Antônio.
It is likely that the primitive chapel was already enlarged at the beginning of the 1624th century, as it is said that, during the Dutch invasion of XNUMX, a 'church' in the place was occupied by the invaders, and worship was only reestablished there after the battle that took place. the following year, they liberated the city.
It was elevated to Mother Church in 1648 and continued to undergo renovations until the XNUMXth century! Its interior is lined with plasterwork, neoclassical carvings and its facade is typically rococo.
Another interesting thing is that in the courtyard of this church there are rehearsals of the carnival group 'De Hoje a Oito', 'Bailinho' parties and Skanibais concerts, among others.
Next door, in the square with the same name, the traditional Festa de Santo Antônio takes place, which begins with the Trecena, from the 1st to the 13th of June, with typical food and drink stalls, officially opening the period of the June festivities.
