church · Salvador, BA
Igreja e Convento de São Francisco
With construction officially begun in 1686, the Franciscan church has interior walls, columns and ceiling covered in gilded baroque woodwork. The convent cloister holds 18th-century Portuguese tile panels, next to Terreiro de Jesus.
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 e Convento de São Francisco
The Igreja e Convento de São Francisco (Church and Convent of São Francisco) is one of the best-known baroque ensembles in Brazil. It is at Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco, right next to Terreiro de Jesus, in Salvador's Historic Center. The Franciscans arrived in the city in 1587, and construction of the current complex officially began in 1686; the church was completed in 1723 and the convent in the mid-18th century.
Outside, the stone facade has three arched doors, a pediment with large scrolls and two square towers topped by tile-covered pyramids. Inside, the surprise is the gold: walls, arches and columns are covered in gilded woodwork, with carved flowers, arches, angels and birds. That is why it is called the Igreja de Ouro (Golden Church).
The convent cloister is square, with two stories of stone arcaded galleries opening onto an inner courtyard. The gallery walls are lined with 18th-century blue and white Portuguese tile panels, with scenes about virtue, wisdom, friendship and poverty.
There is an entrance fee. Access to the Historic Center is along cobblestone streets with uphill stretches. Next door is the Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, with a facade carved in stone, which is usually part of the same visit.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour is enough to see the golden nave, the chapels and the cloister at a relaxed pace.
Best time
In the morning, right after opening, when there are fewer groups and the square is less hot. It is worth it in any season. Check the hours on Salvador's official tourism website.
How to get there
It is at Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco, next to Terreiro de Jesus, in Salvador's Historic Center. From the Cidade Baixa, take the Elevador Lacerda up to Praça Tomé de Sousa and walk along Rua da Misericórdia and through Praça da Sé to Terreiro de Jesus; Largo do Cruzeiro adjoins Terreiro de Jesus. From other neighborhoods, take a bus, taxi or ride-hailing car to the Praça da Sé area.
Tip
Allow time for the cloister: the tile panels cover entire galleries and are as striking as the church's gilded woodwork.
A look at the place
Igreja e Convento de São Francisco 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 e Convento de São Francisco
Is there an entrance fee at the São Francisco Church in Salvador?
Yes, there is an admission fee for visits. Check prices and hours on Salvador's official tourism website.
Why is it called the Golden Church?
Because the interior is almost entirely covered in gilded wood carving, with carved flowers, arches, angels and birds.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour for the church and the cloister with Portuguese tiles.
Where is the São Francisco Church?
At Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco, next to Terreiro de Jesus, in the Pelourinho. You can walk there from the Elevador Lacerda, passing through Praça da Sé.
When was the church built?
Construction officially began in 1686 and the church was completed in 1723. The convent and the interior decoration were finished over the course of the 18th century.