Church and Convent of San Francisco: A Glimpse into Brazil's Golden Past

The Church and Convent of San Francisco, located in the heart of Salvador's historic Pelourinho district, stands as one of Brazil's most magnificent churches and a testament to the country's rich colonial past. Often called the "Golden Church," its Baroque architecture showcases a fusion of Portuguese and Bahian cultural influences. The complex is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Franciscan friars arrived in Salvador in 1587, and the original church and convent were built soon after. However, the structures were destroyed during the Dutch invasions of the 17th century. Construction of the present-day church and convent began in 1708, with the structure being completed in 1723. The interior was decorated throughout the 18th century. Inside, visitors are greeted by an explosion of gold leaf, covering ornate wood carvings and creating a dazzling spectacle. The church boasts approximately 55,000 hand-painted Portuguese tiles (azulejos), the largest collection in any Latin American church, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The main chapel features a marble floor with foliage patterns, imported from Portugal in 1738, while the walls showcase Portuguese tiles illustrating the life of St. Francis. The sacristy, located behind the high altar, features a massive cabinet, carved Baroque furniture, 17th-century Portuguese azulejos on the walls, and an elaborately coffered ceiling. The convent's cloister, completed in 1749, features two stories of arches supported by stone columns, providing a shaded space for meditation and gatherings. A large stone cross, brought from Lisbon in 1807, stands in front of the church. The Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis, located next to the São Francisco Church, was built between 1702 and 1870.