Bom Jesus da Lapa, Religious pilgrimage center in Bahia, Brazil
Bom Jesus da Lapa is a municipality along the banks of the São Francisco River in Bahia state, roughly 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Salvador. The municipal territory covers over 4,000 square kilometers (1,500 square miles) and contains several caves that have been converted into religious sites.
A Portuguese explorer named Francisco Mendonça Mar discovered the cave system in 1693 and established a religious sanctuary there. Over the centuries, the settlement grew into a major pilgrimage center that now hosts one of the largest Catholic festivals in Brazil.
The town serves as a pilgrimage destination where believers from across Brazil come to walk in processions and pray inside the sacred caves. Many pilgrims follow a centuries-old tradition of bringing votive offerings that they leave in the underground chapels as they present their requests.
The town offers numerous lodgings and guesthouses that receive visitors throughout the year, with the main pilgrimage season running between August and September. Buses and other transport options connect the place regularly with larger cities in the region, making arrival easier even from distant areas.
Inside the caves, visitors notice rock formations that resemble altars, pulpits, and even vaults, which is why these spaces are used directly for religious ceremonies. Some chapels were set up without artificial construction, using the natural shape of the stones as liturgical elements.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Quilombo Lagoa das Piranhas
1.3 kmQuilombo Lagoa do Peixe
4 kmQuilombo Nova Batalhinha
7.1 kmQuilombo Mata do Sapé
68 kmQuilombo Peroba
4.1 kmQuilombo Barro
68 kmQuilombo Rio das Rãs
6.8 kmQuilombo Lagoa do Jacaré
67.1 kmQuilombo Água Fria
34.7 kmQuilombo Fortaleza
3.1 kmQuilombo Juá
1.9 kmQuilombo Largo da Vitória
63.8 kmQuilombo Bandeira
5.1 kmQuilombo Bebedouro
4.9 kmQuilombo Agreste
66.3 kmQuilombo Barrinha
5.1 kmQuilombo Duas Lagoas
63.5 kmQuilombo Sambaíba
67.2 kmQuilombo Paus Pretos
64.8 kmQuilombo Barreiro Grande
37 kmQuilombo Rio do Tanque
66.3 kmQuilombo Gatos Vesperina
63.2 kmQuilombo Agrestinho
64.5 kmRiacho de Santana
70.4 kmSculpture, Work of art
1.2 kmWork of art, sculpture
653 mWork of art, sculpture
606 mSculpture, Work of art
589 mDiscover 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