The 12 soapstone statues of the Old Testament prophets are considered the pinnacle of Aleijadinho's artistic career.
The wood used for the interior sculptures was primarily cedar, a durable wood native to the region.
The sanctuary was commissioned by the Portuguese adventurer Feliciano Mendes as an act of gratitude after recovering from a serious illness.
The project was heavily influenced by the pilgrimage sites in Braga, Portugal.
The soapstone used for the exterior carvings was sourced from local quarries in the Congonhas region.
The architectural design utilizes a zigzag layout for the chapels to evoke the topography of Jerusalem.
The sanctuary is one of the few places in the world where a complete cycle of the Passion of Christ is represented in life-sized sculpture.
The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage property in 1985.
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its collection of 66 life-sized polychrome wood statues and 12 soapstone sculptures depicting the Passion of Christ. Constructed between 1757 and 1805, the architectural complex features a church, a monumental staircase, and six isolated chapels known as Passos. The exterior stone sculptures were crafted by the renowned Brazilian artist Aleijadinho. The church interior follows the Portuguese Rococo style, characterized by elaborate wood carvings and gilded altars. The site serves as a pilgrimage destination and is considered a masterpiece of colonial Baroque and Rococo art in Brazil. The six chapels are arranged along the path leading to the church, each housing a dioramas-like representation of Biblical scenes. The site remains fully operational as a religious complex maintained under the protection of the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).
From the base of the monumental staircase looking upward toward the church facade with the prophet statues in the foreground.
Walk the full length of the path through the six chapels to follow the chronological narrative of the Passion of Christ.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as the front courtyard and exterior paths have minimal shade.
Visit the Romaria building nearby, which historically housed pilgrims and now features exhibits.
Do not attempt to touch the soapstone statues, as the porous material is prone to erosion and degradation from skin oils.
The site is typically closed on Mondays for maintenance; check the IPHAN portal for potential changes during local religious festivals.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a place of worship and avoid photography using flash inside the church.
