Parish Church of Santiago, Iguape, church building in Cachoeira, Brazil
The Parish Church of Santiago is a church building in Iguape near Cachoeira, constructed from brick and sandstone and combining Baroque and Rococo elements. It features a single nave, two rounded towers with ceramic tile covering on the facade, and an interior that is relatively plain with Portuguese tiles decorating the main altar.
Construction started in the early 1800s but remained unfinished for many decades, continuing through the century as building work progressed slowly. Original plans changed over time, and sections of the structure still remain incomplete.
The church stands as a symbol of Portuguese colonial religion, visible in its stone work and layout. Local residents gather here for festivals and celebrations connected to Saint James, making it a central place for community events throughout the year.
The building is made from brick and sandstone, materials that help keep the interior cool during hot days. Visitors can easily walk inside to view the relatively plain interior, which has minimal decoration compared to the exterior.
The towers are covered with pieces of ceramic tiles and glazed pottery that builders added late in the construction process, giving the church a colorful and textured appearance. This detail makes the facade particularly noticeable among other buildings in the region.
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