the medallionwas discovered during renovations to the building in the mid nineteenth century, and possibly destined to be installed in another church belonging to the same order - the igreja da ordem terceira da penitência. 

carved in lioz, a type of limestone found in portugal, it depicts the coronation of the virgin mary, and it was installed on the facade where it has been ever since.     

the street on which the church is located, was originally called the old street - this signifies an older historic area of rio de janeiro.