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Ouro Preto City Tour
Churches and chapels

( Saint Francis of Assisi Church ) Teto Igreja Sao Francisco de Assis

It is rare to find a city the size of Ouro Preto so rich in art and religious architecture.
At some churches, the Baroque architecture is only slightly revealed in the façade and much more once inside, generally in a magnificent combination of gold-covered sculptures and paintings in vibrant colors.
All of the colonial era chrches were built during the 18th century on the sites of older, more primitive chapels, and by the associations of whites, mulattoes, and blacks.
These brotherhoods and third orders played an important role in the development of the artistic manifestations of the mining society.

( Our Lady of the Rosary Church ) Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario

In 1785, plans to replace an existing chapel began.
The circular outline is a high point of Mineiran Baroque architecture, this church being known as the best example of this type in the world.
The church was built of specially prepared stones, yet it has an extremely plain interior when compared to its striking exterior design.
The front window balustrades are mad from soapstone.
According to oral history, the image of Saint Helena was done by the master Aleijadinho, while those of Saint Benedict and Saint Anthony were done by his brother, Father Félix.

( Saint Joseph Churh ) Igreja Sao Jose

Saint Joseph was constructed between 1730 and 1811.
The brotherhood of Saint Joseph included a large number of mulatto military men, musicians, and artisans.
Aleijadinho contributed a carving for the main chapel retable and another for the tower.

( Father Faria Chapel ) Capela do Padre Faria

Father Faria was originally built in 1719 and later reconstructed and enriched in 1740.
From the pontifical cross in front of the church, it is possible to view the hill where the population of the city originated, Morro de São João.
Inside, you can admire the oldest ceiling painting in Ouro Preto, as well as splendid Baroque retables and gold covered carvings.
Crossing the bridge you will find the tiny chapel of Our Lady of Necessities.

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