Museu Sacro Franciscano: A Sanctuary of Sacred Art

Located atop Santo Antônio Hill in Rio's Centro, the Museu Sacro Franciscano is a treasure trove of Brazilian sacred art. As the oldest and most complete institution of its kind in Brazil, and the first Sacred Art Museum in Latin America, it offers a journey back to the most captivating era in Rio de Janeiro's history. Housed in a former Franciscan convent, the museum displays a diverse collection of sacred art, including paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects. Each piece tells a story of faith and artistic mastery. The museum is annexed to the Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis of Penance, a colonial church considered one of the most important in Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. The church was built between 1657 and 1733, with its baroque decoration a sight to behold. The facade is divided into three sections, each with its own portal, large windows, and independent roof. Inside the church, visitors are greeted by gilded altarpieces and walls, showcasing the craftsmanship of Portuguese artists. The ceiling features a painting titled "Glorification of Saint Francis," created by Caetano da Costa Coelho between 1736 and 1741. The museum also safeguards images and vestments from the famous Procissão das Cinzas (Procession of Ashes), established in 1647, a key part of the city's religious history. The museum comprises several rooms, including the Hall of Vestments, the Hall of Litters, the Gallery of Images, and the Primitive Chapel of the Order.