Igreja Velha, Unfinished colonial church in São Mateus, Brazil
The massive stone structure stands in the city center, featuring high walls and an exposed arch that marks the intended main altar location.
Construction began in the early 19th century but halted in 1853 when municipal funds were redirected to complete the smaller São Mateus Plaza church.
The building materials included stones from ship ballasts arriving at São Mateus Port and lime extracted from shell mounds in the Barra Nova region.
The ruins are now protected by a fence and stand at Anchieta Square, along Anchieta Avenue in downtown São Mateus, Espírito Santo state.
The mortar used in construction combined whale oil with lime, representing a specific construction technique from colonial Brazilian architecture.
Location: São Mateus
GPS coordinates: -18.71556,-39.85806
Latest update: March 14, 2025 12:06
Buddha of Ibiraçu
139.3 km
Abrolhos Marine National Park
129.6 km
Mosteiro Zen Morro da Vargem
141.7 km
Praia da Costa Dourada
55.5 km
Pontões Capixabas Natural Monument
112.5 km
Puente Getúlio Vargas
80.4 km
Estádio José Olímpio da Rocha
97.6 km
St. Matthew Cathedral, São Mateus
410 m
Itaúnas State Park
36.6 km
Estádio do Sernamby
787 m
Sooretama Biological Reserve
42.4 km
Rio Preto National Forest
35.2 km
Ponte Régis Bittencourt
2.1 km
Igreja Matriz de São Mateus
228 m
Goiapaba-Açu
148.5 km
Costa das Algas Environmental Protection Area
141.2 km
Farol do Rio Doce
104.1 km
Goiapaba-Açu Municipal Nature Park
147.8 km
Casa da Cultura de Fundão
147.5 km
São Mateus Lighthouse
17.2 km
Cine Ritz Aracruz
130.8 km
Cine Teixeira Mall
131.6 km
Igreja Católica de Santa Cruz
141.4 km
Cine São Mateus
185 m
Cine Ritz Conceição
78 km
Núcleo Histórico do Porto de São Mateus
443 m
Casa de Pedra do Perletti
57.6 km
Frans Krajcberg Ecological Museum
97.4 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