at a glance

invisible from the outside, the small church shelters some of the most remarkable brazilian baroque art of the xvii and xviii centuries - the image of nossa senhora da conceição on the main altar, surrounded by a variety of delicate wooden work and gold details make a lasting impression on any visitor.

the ceiling, painted by portoguese artist caetano da costa coelho, shows the ascension of the saint patron of the church was one of the first of its kind in brazil - golden angels decorate the balconies and create a unique luminescent effect throughout the church.

the place where the convent stands was given in 1952 to the first franciscan monks from portugal, to establish their mission's headquarters - hence the name of the hill, as são francisco is portuguese for saint francis.