Church of Our Lady of the Conception

The Church of Our Lady of the Conception is a colonial structure in Almofala with solid stone walls and worked altars that show Portuguese architectural style from the 18th century. The building stands as a clear example of religious architecture from that period in northeastern Brazil.

The church was founded in 1702 by Mercedarian friars and stands as an early mark of Portuguese settlement in this region of Brazil. Its construction shows the spread of Catholicism during the colonial period in the northeast.

The church shows how Portuguese building styles merged with local craftsmanship and how European religious practices took root in Brazilian coastal communities. Its architecture reflects the everyday sacred life of that era.

Visitors can enter the building year-round, but access is on foot along unpaved paths on level ground. The site has little shade, so bring water and sun protection, especially in the afternoon hours.

The building kept nearly all its original structural parts since the 18th century, making it a rare example of construction from that time in the Ceará region. This completeness lets visitors see the building techniques and craftsmanship of that era still standing today.

Location: Itarema

Inception: 1702

GPS coordinates: -2.94000,-39.82639

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05