Church and Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Religious complex in Pelourinho, Salvador, Brazil
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a religious complex in Pelourinho situated on a hilltop overlooking Baía de Todos os Santos. The property consists of a church, convent with two cloisters, and several side chapels arranged around a central courtyard.
The current structure began construction in 1681 after Dutch forces were expelled from what had been used as a gunpowder storage in the original building. The church received its neoclassical interior redesign in the early 1800s, establishing most of its present internal appearance.
The church is named after the Virgin of Mount Carmel and its interior shows design choices from different eras that reflect changing tastes among the faithful over time. Visitors can observe how simpler early furnishings gave way to more elaborate decoration as centuries passed.
The complex sits on a hilltop with steep lanes in the Pelourinho neighborhood, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Daytime visits work best since natural light reveals the details of the interior decoration and allows you to see all the rooms clearly.
The interior of the convent reveals an unexpected architectural feature: the transept sits lower than the vaulting above the nave and chancel, creating distinct vertical levels. This vertical contrast becomes apparent when you step inside and subtly shapes how the space feels.
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