History of the Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos in Salvador

The Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, located in the historic centre of Salvador, is a masterpiece of Brazilian colonial baroque, built between 1709 and 1733. Erected by the Brotherhood of St Peter of the Clerics, formed by members of the secular clergy, the church was designed to meet the spiritual needs of this religious community.

With its ornate façade and rich interior decoration, which includes gilded woodwork and rococo influences, the temple is an outstanding example of 18th century religious architecture. In addition to its architectural value, the church houses important works of sacred art, reflecting the cultural and spiritual importance it played in the history of Salvador.

History of the Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos in Salvador

The Church of St Peter of the Clerics in Salvador was founded in the 16th century – the date is fixed at around 1580, from the record of a grant of plenary indulgence made to the Brotherhood by Pope Clement VIII – the Brotherhood of St Peter of the Clerics of Salvador was first installed on an altar erected in the Cathedral in charge of the brothers. Its early creation took place during the episcopate of Bishop Antônio Barreiros, the third bishop of the diocese.

Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos – Salvador, Bahia

The administration of Bishop Barreiros was marked by the configuration and implementation of the spiritual life of the seat of Portuguese America, with the installation of various religious orders in the city, such as the Benedictines, Carmelites and Franciscans. The Brotherhood of St Peter emerged as the diocesan clergy’s response to the First Orders.

Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos (esquerda) e a igreja de São Domingos de Gusmão (direita), ambas no Terreiro de Jesus - Salvador BA — Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos (left) and the church of São Domingos de Gusmão (right), both in Terreiro de Jesus – Salvador BA

In the 18th century, the brothers of the Brotherhood built their chapel next to the Archiepiscopal Palace. The patronage of Bishop Sebastião Monteiro da Vide was essential in the reorganisation of the brotherhood.

In addition to the redefinition of the roles of bishops and clerics proposed by the diocesan synod, the Brotherhood began to fulfil new functions, promoting the congregation of the brothers, complementing their education, as well as mutual assistance and aid.

In 1709, the brothers acquired land from the Jesuits to build their headquarters. They built a small chapel on the site, which was destroyed in 1797 due to a landslide that affected buildings in the upper city of Salvador, causing several deaths. Nothing remains of the original chapel.

The temple that has survived to the present day is the result of work carried out in the last years of the 18th century and in the 19th century. The decorative ensemble of the brotherhood stands out for its carving, which reflects the new taste adopted in Salvador. The altarpiece is a literal quotation of a model by Andrea Pozzo, revealing a monumentality that surprises with its clear structure, ornate capitals and full-length gilded figures, which act as pinnacles in the altarpiece structure.

The images enthroned on the main altar include an impressive St Peter in life-size papal robes, St Paul, and Our Lady of the Conception, to whom the chapel is dedicated. On the side altars are images of St Lucy, St Amaro, St Eloi and Our Lady of the Gate of Heaven. Most of these works were executed in the second half of the 18th century and are of great plastic impact and high artistic quality.