Church of the Archbrotherhood of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Church of the Archbrotherhood of Saint Francis of Assisi is a colonial-era religious building decorated throughout with intricate wooden carvings and gold leaf details. Its main altar, side chapels, and walls display elaborate wood panels and painted ceilings that fill the space with visual richness.

The church was built in the 1700s as the headquarters of a wealthy lay brotherhood during the gold-mining boom that brought prosperity to the region. This period of riches allowed for the construction and elaborate decoration that remains visible today.

The church served as a gathering place for a wealthy lay brotherhood devoted to Saint Francis, and its interior still reflects the deep religious devotion of the community. You can see this commitment in every ornate detail and carefully arranged space inside.

The building is open during daytime hours and is best explored as part of a guided tour to understand the details of the interior. Visitors should dress respectfully since the site remains an active place of worship and museum.

The interior blends Portuguese design principles with techniques developed by local craftspeople, which sets it apart from purely European churches of the same period. This fusion happened because local artisans brought their own knowledge to buildings designed in the colonial style.