Saint Rita of Cascia church, Colonial church in Serro, Brazil

Saint Rita of Cascia church is a colonial religious building perched at the highest point of Serro, featuring a polygonal facade with a central tower and clock. The structure was designed to command views across the entire city from its elevated location.

The chapel is among the oldest churches in Serro, probably built in the early 18th century. By 1745, campaigns for its ornamentation were already documented, indicating that interior decoration was underway at that time. It is not individually listed as a heritage site but is part of the city's architectural and landscape ensemble, which is protected as a whole.

The church hosts the annual Festa de São Sebastião do Serro, honouring the patron saint of rural workers. Inside, the nave has false tribunes that suggest a second floor, and the walls are covered with marbleised painting and floral motifs.

From the town centre, access is via a long stone stairway of 57 broad steps, known locally as the "escadinha" despite its size. The climb is steady rather than steep, and the terrace in front of the church gives a panoramic view over the streets, mansions and other churches of Serro.

The interior contains false galleries in the nave created through clever architectural design that trick the eye into seeing an extra level. This creative solution shows how craftsmen worked around spatial constraints while adding visual depth.