church · Sabará, MG
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Begun in 1763, it received works by Aleijadinho between 1771 and 1774, such as the doorway, the pulpits and sculptures. Protected by Iphan (Brazil's national heritage institute), it is an example of the Minas Gerais Rococo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (church) is one of the most important Baroque churches in Sabará and one of the best places to see Aleijadinho's work outside Ouro Preto and Congonhas. It is in the historic center, a short distance from the Museu do Ouro (Gold Museum), and was built by the Third Order of Carmel.
Construction began in 1763. Over the following decades, Antônio Francisco Lisboa, known as Aleijadinho, and his team made the sculptures on the facade, especially the soapstone doorway, as well as the pulpits, the choir loft and the balustrades. He also made the statues of Saint Simon Stock and Saint John of the Cross. The church and its collection have been protected by Iphan (Brazil's national heritage institute) since 1938.
Outside, the two towers, the pediment with scrolls and a cross and the carved doorway over the entrance stand out. Inside, the church has a single nave, gilded woodcarving, ceiling paintings and the two atlantes that support the choir loft, figures attributed to Aleijadinho. It is a visit that especially appeals to those who enjoy sacred art and the history of the gold era.
The church is in an area of stone streets with some climbs, common in Sabará. The visit itself is relaxed and easily fits into a one-day tour of the town's churches.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to 1 hour, with time to take a good look at the facade, the pulpits and the choir loft.
Best time
On dry days, from April to September, in the morning, when the light favors the facade and you have time to continue on to other churches and the Museu do Ouro.
How to get there
It is on Rua do Carmo, in the historic center of Sabará, in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area. From Belo Horizonte, you can get to downtown Sabará by car or metropolitan bus; from there the way to the church is short and can be done on foot.
Tip
Look at the two atlantes beneath the choir loft and at the pulpits: they are among Aleijadinho's best-known works in Sabará. Check the visiting hours before you go, because the town's churches usually close at lunchtime.
A look at the place
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
What did Aleijadinho make at the Igreja do Carmo in Sabará?
He and his team made the sculptures on the facade, especially the soapstone doorway, as well as the pulpits, the choir loft and the balustrades. The statues of Saint Simon Stock and Saint John of the Cross are also his.
When was the Igreja do Carmo in Sabará built?
Construction began in 1763, at the initiative of the Third Order of Carmel. The interior decoration was done over the following decades.
Is the Igreja do Carmo in Sabará a protected heritage site?
Yes. The church and its sacred collection have been protected by Iphan (Brazil's national heritage institute) since 1938.
Where is the Igreja do Carmo in Sabará?
On Rua do Carmo, in the historic center of Sabará, near the Museu do Ouro. You can walk there from the town center.
Can I visit the inside of the Igreja do Carmo?
Yes, the church welcomes visitors. Check the hours before you go, because Sabará's churches usually close at lunchtime.