Ruins of the Church of São José do Queimado

The Ruins of the Church of São José do Queimado are the stone remains of a religious building standing in the open landscape of Serra municipality in Espírito Santo. The foundations and walls still show the layout of the original structure and have been converted into an open-air archaeological museum.

The building was constructed as a church but in 1849 became the center of a major uprising when authorities refused to honor a promise of freedom for those who worked. This uprising marked a turning point in regional history and the event remains deeply connected to this location today.

The ruins serve as a memorial to the resistance of enslaved people who fought against exploitation. The site preserves the memory of their struggles and suffering for future generations to recognize.

The site is freely accessible and has been equipped with informational panels to help visitors understand the history and archaeological findings. It is best visited during daylight hours so you can clearly see the stone structures and surroundings.

Excavations in 2021 uncovered objects buried beneath the ruins that provide new insights into daily life during that time period. These discoveries reveal how people lived and worked at this location more than 170 years ago.