church · Itarema, CE
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Almofala
Built in the early 18th century on the lands of the Tremembé Indigenous people, it was buried by the dunes from 1897 and only came back into view in the 1940s. Protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute) in 1980, it is in the district of Almofala.
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 da Conceição de Almofala
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (church) is in the district of Almofala, in the municipality of Itarema, on Ceará's west coast. It is known as the church that was buried by the dunes and reappeared almost half a century later.
The story begins in the early 18th century, when a chapel was built at the mission of the Tremembé Indigenous people. The masonry church, in Baroque style, was completed in 1712. From 1897, the wind began pushing the dunes over the church, and the following year the sacred images were taken to Acaraú. The church stayed covered by sand for about 45 years and only came fully back into view in 1943, when Mass was celebrated there again.
In 1980, the church was protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute), along with all its interior contents, and it underwent a major restoration in the 1980s. Today it stands on a wide square in the district, with a large cross in front of the facade. Inside are the altar and images such as those of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
The visit is simple and quick, on flat ground, and combines well with a walk on Praia de Almofala. The church is still used for religious services, so be mindful of Mass times.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to an hour to see the church inside and out and walk around the square.
Best time
During the day, in the morning or mid-afternoon, when the light is good for photos of the facade and you can see the church at leisure, outside Mass times.
How to get there
The church is on the main square of the district of Almofala, in Itarema (CE), on the state's west coast. The district is easy to reach by car from the town of Itarema; from Fortaleza, drive toward the west coast.
Tip
Combine the visit with Praia de Almofala, in the same district, and go during the day: since the church is still used for Mass, avoid service times if you want to see the interior at leisure.
A look at the place
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Almofala 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 da Conceição de Almofala
Why was the Almofala church buried?
From 1897, the wind began pushing the dunes over the church. It stayed covered by sand for about 45 years and came back into view in 1943.
Is the Almofala church a protected heritage site?
Yes. It was protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute) in 1980, along with its interior contents.
When was the Almofala church built?
The masonry church was completed in 1712, replacing a chapel built in the early 18th century at the mission of the Tremembé Indigenous people.
Is the Almofala church open to visitors?
Yes. The church is part of Itarema's tourist route and is still used for services. Check opening hours on site.
Where is the Almofala church?
On the main square of the district of Almofala, in the municipality of Itarema, on Ceará's west coast.