The church was built between 1708 and 1723, though the interior decoration continued throughout the 18th century.
The interior gold application is so extensive that it is often referred to as the 'Golden Church' of Salvador.
The tile panels in the cloister were imported directly from Lisbon, Portugal, in the early 18th century.
The convent's cloister features an unusual series of tiles depicting Roman myths, which were integrated into a religious context.
The church's facade is constructed of lioz stone, which was brought from Portugal as ballast in colonial ships.
The ceiling of the nave contains a massive painting by José Joaquim da Rocha, a prominent 18th-century Brazilian artist.
The Franciscan friars arrived in Salvador in 1587, nearly a century before the current church structure was initiated.
The Church and Convent of San Francisco is renowned for its interior, which is covered in approximately 400 kilograms of gold leaf, representing the height of Brazilian Baroque craftsmanship. Located in the heart of the Pelourinho district in Salvador, it was constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries by the Franciscan Order. The church interior features complex wood carvings known as talha dourada, which adorn the ceilings, altars, and walls. The cloister of the convent is notable for its sequence of Portuguese azulejos, or blue-and-white tiles, depicting the life of Saint Francis and allegorical scenes. The structure exemplifies the Portuguese colonial influence in Bahia, characterized by the juxtaposition of exuberant interior ornamentation and a more sober exterior facade. It remains one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in the Americas. The convent continues to function, preserving a vast collection of religious art and artifacts within its complex.
The central cloister courtyard offers the best light for capturing the azulejo tile work.
Focus your time on the cloisters to study the intricate narrative detail of the blue-and-white tile work.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the heavy crowds that gather with cruise ship tours.
Look up at the ceiling panels, which utilize forced perspective to create an illusion of depth.
Do not rely on unofficial local guides who may approach you outside the entrance; use official site signage or recognized museum guides.
Modest dress is required; ensure shoulders and knees are covered as this is an active religious site.
