Church and Convent of Our Lady of the Conception of Lapa, Catholic church and monastery in Salvador, Brazil
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of the Conception of Lapa is an 18th-century Roman Catholic complex on Avenida Joana Angélica, south of Salvador's historic centre. A broad two-storey white lime wall faces the avenue, with two ornate portals; the north portal opens into the side of the church nave, which runs parallel to the street. The church interior is noted as one of the city's finest rococo compositions, with a complex high altar, azulejos in the chancel and a well-preserved nave ceiling painting.
Construction of this convent began in 1734 under authorization from Portuguese King John V and officially opened in 1744. The complex became an important religious and social center in Salvador over the following decades.
The building takes its name from the Virgin Mary and displays Portuguese Catholic traditions in its design and furnishings. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship and religious devotion reflected in the interior decoration and layout.
The church welcomes public visits and religious services, though the convent and school sections remain closed to visitors. Check ahead about current opening times and any seasonal closures before planning your visit.
The lioz stone portal of the church was donated by José Moreira Leal, who brought it from Lisbon in 1754; two missing base stones arrived only the following year, together with window panes and an image of Our Lady of the Conception. The high altar by woodcarver Antônio Mendes da Silva took from 1755 to 1763 to complete.
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