Convent and Church of Saint Antony, Baroque convent and church in Cachoeira, Brazil.
The Church and Convent of Saint Antony forms an architectural complex featuring a main church, a courtyard with a monumental cross, and convent buildings positioned on the northern side. The ensemble sits near the Iguape estuary of the Paraguaçu River and displays Baroque architectural characteristics.
Construction of the complex began in 1658, with the church consecrated in 1660 and the entire ensemble completed around 1686. These dates mark the early establishment of Baroque architecture in South America during the colonial period.
The complex displays early Brazilian Baroque style that became a model for churches throughout northeastern Brazil. This architectural approach developed here before it reached Portugal, making the site an important point of origin for this design tradition.
The site sits by the Iguape estuary of the Paraguaçu River, so river transport is typically required to reach it. Plan your visit during drier months when water access is less challenging.
By 1857 the convent population had shrunk to just five residents, and the complex was abandoned in the early 1900s. Most interior furnishings were removed, yet the external structures survived this period of neglect.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
