Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a church in Serra that features two prominent towers added in 1938, housing bells that were previously positioned on the structure's sides. The building stands in Praça Barbosa Leão in the city center and is accompanied by a modern church building where regular masses are held today.

Priest Bráz Lourenço founded the first chapel in 1556 at a settlement called Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Serra near the Santa Maria da Vitória River. After approximately 200 years, the entire village and religious complex needed to be relocated due to a malaria outbreak.

The church gardens hold the Mastro pole, which serves as a central symbol during the annual São Benedito celebrations held on December 26. This local festival blends religious observance with folk traditions that bring the community together.

The building is easy to locate at its central position on Praça Barbosa Leão and offers multiple options for visitors. You can explore the historic structure while also participating in services held in the new adjacent building if you wish.

The building was originally part of an indigenous village community that surrounded the church from its founding onward. This close connection between the religious site and the original inhabitants shaped the place and remains an important part of its story.