Ilê Axé Iyá Omin Iyamassê, Candomblé temple in Salvador, Brazil
Ilê Axé Iyá Omin Iyamassê is a Candomblé temple in the Federação neighborhood of Salvador, Brazil, surrounded by a protective wall. The compound includes several buildings such as a ceremonial space, rooms for offerings, and areas where the community gathers.
Maria Júlia da Conceição Nazaré founded the terreiro in 1849 on land leased from Edoard Gantois, a navigator and slave trader born in Ghent who operated between Bahia and the markets of Ouidah and Lagos. The house grew out of the Casa Branca do Engenho Velho and belongs to the Ketu branch. IPHAN listed it as national heritage on 17 December 2002.
Religious leaders wear white clothing during ceremonies and decorate the space with flowers and fabrics in the colors of different deities. During festivals, visitors often see groups of worshippers singing and clapping while priestesses perform ritual movements in a circle.
The site opens to visitors on specific festival days when public ceremonies take place. The community expects respectful clothing and quiet behavior during religious events.
The house's name comes from Ghent in Belgium, the birthplace of Edoard Gantois, a navigator and slave trader who worked between Bahia, Ouidah and Lagos and leased the land to the founder. The terreiro occupies 3,600 square metres from a hill ridge down into a small valley.
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