Pernambuco Museum of Sacred Art, sacred art museum in Alto da Sé, Olinda, Brazil

The Pernambuco Museum of Sacred Art occupies a historic building on Rua Bispo Coutinho and displays religious artworks, sculptures, and artifacts spanning centuries of creation. The rooms present paintings, carvings, and objects from the colonial period through later times, arranged to show the evolution of styles and materials.

The building was erected in the 17th century on the Alto da Sé, the hill where Duarte Coelho founded Olinda in 1535. It first housed the town council and became the episcopal palace after Bishop Dom Estevão Brioso de Figueiredo arrived in 1676, a role made exclusive from 1690. In the 19th century it served as a residence for religious, a school and an army barracks during World War II. The museum has occupied it since 1974, and FUNDARPE renovations in 1977 reinstalled the Portuguese tiles at the entrance.

The collection reflects the deep Catholic roots of the region and how religious art shaped people's daily lives and devotion over centuries. You can see how European traditions merged with local artistic interpretations, creating something distinctly Brazilian.

The building sits in the Alto da Sé area and is within easy walking distance of central Olinda. Guided tours and visitor information are available on site, and the displays are arranged clearly so you can explore independently.

The building was never a private home: it began as Olinda's Senate council house, became the bishop's palace after Dom Estevão Brioso de Figueiredo arrived in 1676, and later housed a school and an army barracks during World War II. Two original corner turrets and twelve upper-floor windows with wooden balconies remain, along with the old episcopal coat of arms on the facade.