Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia Mercês de Cima
Iconic church offering breathtaking sunset views over Ouro Preto's historic cityscape. A must-visit for photographers and sunset lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia Mercês de Cima
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic church offering breathtaking sunset views over Ouro Preto's historic cityscape. A must-visit for photographers and sunset lovers.
"The church itself is beautiful, but the view from its exterior is simply breathtaking, especially at sunset."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The view from the church's exterior is spectacular at sunset. Don't miss it!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Ouro Preto has many hills and cobblestone streets. Be prepared for a climb!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Over Ouro Preto
Exterior viewpoint
Witness breathtaking panoramic views of Ouro Preto bathed in the warm glow of sunset. A truly iconic sight.
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Architectural Charm
Exterior
Admire the church's facade, featuring a distinctive central tower added during its construction.
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Historic Cityscape
Surrounding area
Experience the charm of Ouro Preto from this elevated vantage point, offering a glimpse into the historic city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
+1Navigating Ouro Preto's Slopes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The view from the church's exterior is spectacular at sunset. Don't miss it!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Ouro Preto has many hills and cobblestone streets. Be prepared for a climb!
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Interior visiting hours can be irregular. Try to confirm before your visit.
📸 Great Photo Spot
Perfect location for panoramic photos of Ouro Preto, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The view from the church's exterior is spectacular at sunset. Don't miss it!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Ouro Preto has many hills and cobblestone streets. Be prepared for a climb!
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Interior visiting hours can be irregular. Try to confirm before your visit.
📸 Great Photo Spot
Perfect location for panoramic photos of Ouro Preto, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking sunset views from the exterior of Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia, calling it a perfect spot to witness Ouro Preto's beauty. However, many note that the church's interior is often closed, making interior visits difficult. The uphill location and the city's terrain require comfortable footwear.
"We didn't enter but it's perfect for sunsets seeing."
Ben
"Essa igreja se encontra na parte superior - pouco antes da entrada do centro histórico. Ela possui um mirante super agradável com uma bela vista para a cidade.
Um detalhe que ficou marcado é que, no cemitério que fica na sua lateral, ocorreu em 2001 um crime que mexeu com a cidade; o homicídio da turista Aline, ela foi encontrada sem vida nas dependências do cemitério, o que despertou atenção de curiosos que buscavam algum contato sobrenatural por ali à noite.
Ressalto aqui que trata-se de uma igreja de difícil visitação, pois tem seu horário alternado. Não tive a oportunidade em encontrá-la aberta."
Rafael Vidal
"Imponente construção na parte alta da cidade. Estava fechada quando chegamos. Da parte externa é possível contemplar o pôr do Sol e uma bela visão da cidade."
Sig. Martelletti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the upper part of Ouro Preto's historic center. You can reach it by walking uphill from the main squares. Be prepared for steep streets and wear comfortable shoes.
Parking in Ouro Preto's historic center can be challenging due to narrow streets. It's best to park in designated areas and walk to the church.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near the church, but they may have difficulty navigating some of the steeper, narrower streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church's exterior and the viewpoint is generally free. However, interior visiting hours can be inconsistent, and access might be limited.
The interior visiting hours for Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Misericórdia are often irregular and can change. It's advisable to check locally or try to visit during peak tourist times when it's more likely to be open.
While the exterior and its viewpoint are accessible, visiting the interior can be difficult due to unpredictable opening hours. Many visitors report finding it closed.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offers the most spectacular light for photographing the church and the panoramic views of Ouro Preto.
Some creators have captured aerial footage of the church and Ouro Preto using drones, suggesting it's possible, but always check local regulations regarding drone usage in historic areas.
You can capture stunning sunset vistas, architectural details of the church, and sweeping views of Ouro Preto's historic rooftops and rolling hills.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the incredible viewpoint offering panoramic views of Ouro Preto, especially beautiful at sunset. The church's exterior architecture is also noteworthy.
The exterior viewpoint is generally accessible, but navigating Ouro Preto's hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
The cemetery adjacent to the church was the site of a notable crime in 2001, which has drawn some morbid curiosity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and allow children to explore the exterior space more freely. The walk up can be a bit of an adventure, so framing it as a mini-expedition might add to the fun. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly at the church might be limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring your best lenses and be prepared to capture the magic. Drone photography is also popular here, providing unique aerial perspectives of the historic town. Beyond the sunset, the church's architecture itself offers interesting photographic opportunities. Look for details in the facade and the surrounding historic streets. Even on a cloudy day, the moody atmosphere can create compelling shots, as evidenced by some photographers capturing the charm of Ouro Preto in various weather conditions.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While the church's interior may have limited access, the exterior and the surrounding historic streets offer plenty to see and experience without spending money. It's a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of this colonial city and capture beautiful photos without an entrance fee. Remember to factor in the cost of comfortable walking shoes, which are essential for exploring Ouro Preto on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Ouro Preto's Sunsets
Many travelers specifically seek out this spot for its photographic potential. The interplay of light and shadow during the golden hour creates a dramatic and picturesque scene, perfect for capturing memorable images of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a moment of tranquility and beauty that many visitors cherish, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Ouro Preto.
+1While the exterior and its viewpoint are readily accessible, it's worth noting that the church's interior visiting hours can be unpredictable. Therefore, focusing on the external beauty and the spectacular sunset view is often the most rewarding experience for visitors.
Architectural Significance and History
+2This church is one of two dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Mercês in Ouro Preto, each with its unique historical and architectural characteristics. The 'de Cima' designation signifies its location in the upper part of the city, distinguishing it from its counterpart, 'Mercês de Baixo'. The church's presence contributes to the overall historical tapestry of Ouro Preto, a city renowned for its Baroque architecture and colonial past.
While the church's interior may not always be accessible for visits, its external presence and the historical context it represents are integral to the Ouro Preto experience. The architectural details, though perhaps less ornate than some other churches in the city, still speak to the craftsmanship and artistic styles of the colonial era.
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