at a glance

one of its founders was also the first brazilian historian  frei vicente do salvador -  construction began on 1608 and was completed on 1620.

in addition to the igreja da ordem terceira de são francisco da penitência, the complex includes a mausoleum, and catacombs - all parts of the complex went through remodeling changes through time, mostly aimed at expansions, with the church being just recently restored to its original beauty.

the overall architectural style of the complex is baroque with typical portuguese elements, where the most notable of these elements is the use of 'azulejo' - a type of interior decorative tile applied on walls - these tiles often depict historical events but are also used for labeling purposes.

it is a defining characteristic of portugal's presence in their colonies and the sacristy on the convent her is believed to possess the best example of it in rio de janeiro.