Church of Saint Francis of Paola, Catholic church in Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Church of Saint Francis of Paola is a Catholic church on Largo de São Francisco de Paula in central Rio de Janeiro, one of the largest in the city. Its entrance has carved wooden doors by Antônio de Pádua e Castro and a neoclassical marble portico. The interior is covered in wood carving, with an altarpiece and the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Vitória by Mestre Valentim.

Construction began in 1759 under the Third Order of the Minims of São Francisco de Paula and was completed in 1801. The church was inaugurated on 7 March 1865 with a solemn Te Deum attended by Emperor Pedro II and Empress Teresa Cristina. It has since undergone several conservation and restoration campaigns.

The church belongs to the Third Order of the Minims of São Francisco de Paula, whose brothers began the building in 1759. One bell is called "Aragão" because it rang the curfew set by police intendant Teixeira de Aragão between 1824 and 1827. The organ was inaugurated by the Rio organist Antônio Silva.

The building sits in the Centro district and is easy to reach on foot, though visiting hours can be limited and may vary depending on church activities. It's best to come during daytime hours and check current visiting times before your trip.

One bell is called "Aragão" because it rang the curfew set by police intendant Teixeira de Aragão between 1824 and 1827. The church organ was inaugurated by the Rio-born organist Antônio Silva. In the sacristy, look for a washbasin in mosaic and marble with bronze taps.