Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia, Colonial church in Ouro Preto, Brazil.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia is a church located in Ouro Preto with a central tower and a soapstone entrance portico decorated with a triangular pediment and carved ornaments. The building occupies a prominent site and features a surrounding stone wall that defines its grounds.
Construction of the church started in 1771 under master builder Manuel Francisco de Araújo, who shaped its initial design. The central tower was added around 1840, completing the structure as it appears today.
The medallion carved on the portico shows the Virgin Mary with her mantle spread wide, representing the sanctuary this place offered to enslaved people during colonial times. This symbolic image remains visible today and connects visitors to the lived experiences of those who sought refuge here.
The church is located on Rua Padre Rolim and operates with variable opening hours depending on the season and local circumstances. Visitors should check with local authorities before visiting to arrange access to the interior.
From the stone wall surrounding the church grounds, visitors can see the neighboring Igreja de São Francisco de Paula at sunset, allowing them to observe both buildings from a single vantage point. This view connects two important religious structures and reveals their spatial relationship within the historic town.
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