Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People, Roman Catholic church in Pelourinho district, Salvador, Brazil.
The Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People is a church building in Salvador's Pelourinho neighborhood, distinguished by two stone towers with rectangular belfries and a blue limestone front. Inside, Portuguese tile panels line the walls with religious scenes painted in traditional blue and white patterns.
Construction began in 1709 when the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black Men established the church in Pelourinho. The building took several decades to complete, with master craftsman Costa overseeing much of the work.
The church holds deep meaning for the Afro-Brazilian community, serving as a spiritual center where African and Catholic traditions come together. Visitors notice how the space welcomes people who gather here to honor both their faith and their heritage.
The church is located in the historic Pelourinho district, which is compact and walkable with many attractions nearby. You can view the exterior and plaza at any time, though entering the interior depends on service hours.
The interior tiles were imported from Portugal in the late 18th century, featuring hand-painted blue and white patterns that were painstakingly assembled piece by piece. Most visitors miss the intricate detail and symbolism embedded in each tile panel.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
