Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men in Sabará is a baroque structure built from stone and rammed earth with an internal chapel. The building displays two distinct construction phases and remains unfinished in its overall form.

Construction started in 1713 with a provisional chapel, and the brotherhood acquired adjacent land in 1757 to allow for expansion. This growth led to the addition of a stone structure alongside the original rammed earth construction.

The church served as a place where enslaved and free Black people gathered to practice their faith during colonial times. Its dedication to Mary through the rosary reflects the specific religious devotion that held meaning for this community.

The site is a protected national heritage asset managed by IPHAN, offering visitors a look at construction techniques from colonial Brazil. A visit should respect the historical status and any ongoing restoration work.

The church displays two distinct building phases visible side by side: the original rammed earth chapel and the later added stone structure. This unfinished juxtaposition allows visitors to directly compare two completely different construction methods.

Location: Sabará

Inception: 1713

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Made from material: stone, rammed earth

GPS coordinates: -19.88973,-43.81088

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:07