Parish Church of Our Lady of the Conception of António Dias, Colonial church in Ouro Preto, Brazil.
The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Conception is a stone building with baroque features in Ouro Preto that features a polygonal layout with multiple side chapels. The interior displays decorated altars and wall paintings spread across different levels of the church space.
The church was built in 1727 as an important place in the growing mining center and underwent several renovations during the 18th century. Its towers and structure received major repairs in the 1780s to ensure the stability of the expanding building.
The interior displays works by Aleijadinho, the renowned local sculptor, showing how colonial artisans expressed their religious devotion through carved wooden details and altar decorations. The space reflects how European styles were adapted using Brazilian materials and local craft traditions.
The building serves both as an active place of worship and a museum with set visiting hours. Visitors should note that religious services may affect access and appropriate clothing is expected when entering.
The building received Minor Basilica status in 2012, a rare title given to only a handful of churches in the region. This recognition honors the artistic and architectural importance of the site in Brazilian history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
