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Church and Convent of São Francisco

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Historical site
—°18
Church and Convent of São Francisco (Brazil)

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Church and Convent of São Francisco is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Brazil. An impressive Baroque church in Salvador, whose interior is almost completely covered in gold leaf. Masterpiece of Brazilian Baroque. Hundreds of kilograms of gold leaf used. Portuguese azulejo tiles. This site holds particular significance in the history of Brazil, from the Portuguese colonial era to the modern republic. Like many notable places in Brazil, it combines regional character with the wider significance of the world's fifth-largest country. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Brazil, where tropical nature, Portuguese heritage, samba, football, and Carnival come together.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727272524242324252627
Rain mm83871001471661381289671697257

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Church and Convent of São Francisco in Salvador are open to visitors; you can marvel at the gold-leaf baroque interior. Entry is paid; there are visitor regulations.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays. For exact times and any changes, inquire on site.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash. Due to the gold leaf, flash can be disruptive; best to use a high ISO setting.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least one hour for the visit to the church and adjoining convent. The detailed gold decoration takes time to appreciate.
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Combine with
The church is in Salvador's historic center, Pelourinho. Combine the visit with a walk through the colorful streets and visit the Museum of Modern Art.
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Getting there
The Pelourinho district is best explored on foot; parking is difficult to find. Use local buses or a taxi to get to the old town.
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Insider tip
Come early in the morning to avoid crowds, as the church is very popular. Avoid sunny days due to the intense heat in the old town.

Geography

Coordinates
-12.97360, -38.50860

Facts

  • An impressive Baroque church in Salvador, whose interior is almost completely covered in gold leaf.
  • Located within the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PelourinhoPelourinho<1 km · EExplore →
Barra LighthouseBarra Lighthouse4 km · SWExplore →
Basilica of Nosso Senhor do BonfimBasilica of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim4 km · EExplore →
Camaçari Petrochemical ComplexCamaçari Petrochemical Complex36 km · NEExplore →
Morro de Sao PauloMorro de Sao Paulo57 km · SWExplore →
CachoeiraCachoeira60 km · SEExplore →
Tamar Project Praia do ForteTamar Project Praia do Forte66 km · NEExplore →
BoipebaBoipeba72 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Church and Convent of São Francisco (18)

Museu Afro-Brasileiro🏛 museum

The Museu Afro-Brasileiro is famous for housing intricate wood panels carved by Carybé that depict Candomblé deities.

A Casa do Rio Vermelho🏛 museum

A Casa do Rio Vermelho preserves the intimate former residence of the legendary Brazilian writers Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00♿

Teatro Jorge Amado🎭 culture

Situated in the Pituba neighborhood, this prominent theatre honors the literary legacy of acclaimed author Jorge Amado.

♿

Casa de Oxumaré⛪ religious

Casa de Oxumaré is recognized as one of the oldest and most culturally respected Candomblé terreiros in Salvador.

Escola Olodum📍 landmark

This cultural institution serves as the headquarters and training ground for the internationally renowned Afro-Brazilian percussion group Olodum.

Mercado do Rio Vermelho📍 landmark

Also known as Ceasinha, this spirited covered market is a culinary hotspot offering regional foods and authentic Bahian gastronomy.

Parque da Cidade🌳 park

Parque da Cidade is an expansive ecological preserve that provides lush green spaces and trails in the Itaigara neighborhood.

Jardim dos Namorados🌳 park

This scenic coastal leisure park stretches along the Pituba waterfront, featuring sports courts and sweeping ocean views.

Parque Costa Azul🌳 park

This urban park features expansive green spaces situated near the coast.

🕒 24/7

Praia de Amaralina🎡 recreation

This coastal sandy beach is known for its rolling waves.

Praia da Pituba🎡 recreation

This expansive urban beach has a long stretch of sand along the shoreline.

Praia Jardim de Alah🎡 recreation

This scenic beach is framed by coconut trees lining the coastal promenade.

Museu do Bahia🏛 museum

Opening in 2022, this museum showcases the cultural artifacts of the state.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00💶

Monumento Cleriston Andrade🏺 historical

This sculptural monument was erected as a memorial in the city center.

Monumento Mãe Runhó🏺 historical

This monument celebrates the deep Afro-Brazilian cultural roots of the community.

Monumento às Baianas🏺 historical

This public monument honors the traditional street vendors known for selling acarajé.

Irdeb🎭 culture

This broadcasting theater functions as a hub for local television and educational radio.

Praça das Artes🎭 culture

This cultural theatre square serves as a focal point for outdoor performances.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the 'Golden Church'?
The interior is almost entirely covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings.
Is there a dress code?
Shoulders and knees should be covered, as it is an active place of worship.
How much are the tickets?
The entrance fee is about 5-10 BRL and helps with the church's preservation.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is usually allowed without flash, but prohibited during mass.
Where exactly in Salvador is the church?
It is located in the historic Pelourinho district, at Praça Anchieta.
Church and Convent of São Francisco: where is it located?
Church and Convent of São Francisco is located in Brazil.
Church and Convent of São Francisco: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museu Afro-Brasileiro, A Casa do Rio Vermelho, Teatro Jorge Amado.
Church and Convent of São Francisco: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Church and Convent of São Francisco: why is it worth visiting?
Church and Convent of São Francisco is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Brazil.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
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Nearby cities

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History & landmarks

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Nature

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The São Francisco River is the longest river entirely within Brazil and one of the country's most important waterways.

More places

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The historic center of Salvador da Bahia, featuring colorful colonial houses and Afro-Brazilian culture.
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A versatile port in Bahia, important for both passenger cruises and cargo, including petrochemicals and fruits.
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The Farol da Barra is a historic lighthouse in Salvador, built on the site of a 16th-century fort at the entrance to the Bay of All Saints.
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The largest integrated industrial complex in the Southern Hemisphere, housing chemical, automotive, and manufacturing plants.
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A highly threatened but extremely biodiverse biome along the eastern coast of Brazil.