Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, Religious sanctuary and UNESCO site in Congonhas, Brazil
The Baroque sanctuary features a main church building with six chapels along a hillside, connected by decorative staircases adorned with prophets' sculptures.
Portuguese adventurer Feliciano Mendes initiated the sanctuary's construction in 1757 after recovering from illness, dedicating the site to Bom Jesus de Matosinhos.
The sanctuary displays sixty-four wooden sculptures by artist Aleijadinho depicting the Passion of Christ, representing a masterful blend of Brazilian and European art.
The sanctuary maintains regular visiting hours throughout the year and offers guided tours explaining the architectural elements and religious significance of each chapel.
The twelve soapstone prophet statues along the staircase demonstrate specific engineering techniques that create an optical illusion when viewed from below.
Location: Congonhas
Location: Minas Gerais
Inception: 1757
Architectural style: Baroque
GPS coordinates: -20.50778,-43.86069
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:22
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
39.2 km
Casa dos Contos
39.5 km
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
39.1 km
Lagoa dos Ingleses
39.1 km
Igreja de São Francisco de Paula
39.4 km
Parish Church of Saint Antony
17.7 km
Dom Bosco School
26.3 km
Museu do Escravo
20.2 km
Pico do Itabirito
29.8 km
Casa de Pedra do Gambá
27.3 km
Museu do Chá (Ouro Preto)
37.1 km
Fortim dos Bandeirantes
27.3 km
Solar Baeta Neves
39.2 km
Ponte do Rosário
39 km
Igreja Matriz de São Bartolomeu
36.5 km
Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio de Itatiaia
27.2 km
Parque de Exposições
32.9 km
Passo do Rosário
39.2 km
Museu de Congonhas
92 m
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem
28.9 km
Topo do Mundo
36.9 km
Parish Church of Our Lady of the Conception
898 m
Parish Church of Saint Antony (Glaura)
32.6 km
Parish Church of Our Lady of Nazareth (Cachoeira do Campo)
26.8 km
Chafariz da Glória
39.2 km
Capela do Senhor do Bonfim
39.2 km
Skeleton's Bridge
30.3 km
Cine Ritz Lafaiete
18.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes