Igreja Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões
1 / 10

Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões Mercês de Baixo

4.7
·197 reviews·, Brazil

A historically rich Baroque church in Ouro Preto, known for Aleijadinho's touch and its significance to the Black and mulatto community.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday to Sunday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Igreja Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões

Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões Mercês de Baixo

Best Time

Tuesday to Sunday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historically rich Baroque church in Ouro Preto, known for Aleijadinho's touch and its significance to the Black and mulatto community.

4.7
(197 reviews)

"A beautiful church with deep historical roots, offering a glimpse into Ouro Preto's diverse past."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combined Ticket Advantage

Get a combined ticket for access to this church and São Francisco de Assis. Saves money and time!

⏰ Check Opening Hours

This church can be tricky to find open. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aleijadinho's Architectural Touch

Aleijadinho's Architectural Touch

Capela-mor

Admire the chapel's design, attributed to the renowned Brazilian Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho. His influence is a key draw for art and history enthusiasts.

Intricate Interior Details

Intricate Interior Details

Main Altar, Side Altars, Pulpits

Explore the richly decorated interior, featuring a main altar, four side altars, and carved wooden pulpits that showcase Baroque artistry.

Historical Significance for the Community

Historical Significance for the Community

Church Exterior and Surroundings

This church historically served the Black and mulatto population, reflecting a significant aspect of Ouro Preto's social history.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Combine Your Visit with São Francisco de Assis

This church is often visited alongside the more famous São Francisco de Assis. Many visitors recommend purchasing a combined ticket for both, which offers a more comprehensive Ouro Preto experience and saves money. Check opening hours as they can vary.

Accessibility and Opening Hours

While the church is beautiful, some visitors note it can be difficult to find open. It's located on a hill and may not be as prominently featured as other Ouro Preto churches. Confirming visiting hours beforehand is advised to avoid disappointment.

Best Times

When
Tuesday to Sunday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Tuesday to Sunday afternoons
Why
Still accessible, fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Casarão construído entre 1782 a 1787 para ser a residência de João Rodrigues de Macedo, cobrador dos impostos da Capitania de Minas Gerais. O prédio abrigava também a administração dos contratos nas duas salas da entrada principal. Em 1820 e 1821, foi construído o prolongamento do lado direito da edificação e acrescido o piso superior da ala do córrego, onde passou a funcionar a Casa de Fundição,...
@gabihistoria
100.1K likes • 2.1M views

🎟️ Combined Ticket Advantage

Get a combined ticket for access to this church and São Francisco de Assis. Saves money and time! Reddit

⏰ Check Opening Hours

This church can be tricky to find open. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. Instagram

📍 Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões (Mercês de baixo), Ouro Preto - MG #ouropretomg #barroco #barroque #brasil #citytour #turismo #mtur #mementocultural
mementocultural
214 likes • 2.7K views
📍 Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões - Ouro Preto/MG Também conhecida com MERCÊS DE BAIXO, a igreja teve sua construção iniciada em 1775, aonde em 1740, já existia a Capela do Senhor Bom Jesus dos Perdões. Ela fica atrás da Igreja de São Francisco de Assis e o risco da capela-mor é atribuído a Aleijadinho! 🕦 Horários de visitação: Terça a Domingo 08h30 às 12h00 13h30 às 17h00 Endere...
exploreminas
409 likes • 7.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access from São Francisco

Easily reachable from São Francisco de Assis church, either from the side or the lower path. Reddit

🖼️ Don't Miss the Consistório

Explore the 'second floor' or Consistório for a unique perspective and historical insights. Reddit

📍O João-de-barro e a bela paisagem nos arredores da Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões ("Mercês de Baixo"), Largo Musicista José dos Anjos, Centro Histórico de Outro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil. • #ouropreto #ouropretomg #visiteminasgerais #mturismo
marialaura.fotos
235 likes • 2.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combined Ticket Advantage

Get a combined ticket for access to this church and São Francisco de Assis. Saves money and time! Reddit

⏰ Check Opening Hours

This church can be tricky to find open. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access from São Francisco

Easily reachable from São Francisco de Assis church, either from the side or the lower path. Reddit

🖼️ Don't Miss the Consistório

Explore the 'second floor' or Consistório for a unique perspective and historical insights. Reddit

🌳 Scenic Surroundings

Enjoy the beautiful landscape and the presence of the João-de-barro bird around the church. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(197 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the historical significance and artistic details of Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões, particularly its connection to Aleijadinho and its role in serving the Black and mulatto community. However, some find it challenging to access due to variable opening hours and its less prominent location compared to other Ouro Preto churches.

"💒"

Ezequias Brito

"Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões é um templo católico guarda muita história. O desenho da nova capela-mor, erguida a partir de 1775, ficou a cargo de Aleijadinho, que também de autoria do escultor duas imagens de santos encontradas no interior: a de São Pedro Nolasco e São Raimundo Nonato.
A Igreja é dedicada a Bom Jesus dos Perdões, popularmente chamada de “Mercês de baixo”.
A capela era dedicada aos negros e mulatos nascidos no Brasil, precisou ser ampliada em virtude do número crescente de fiéis.
Para visitar a igreja é necessário adquirir um único ingresso dá acesso à Igreja de São Francisco de Assis e à Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões.
O Horário de visitação: Terça a Domingo de 08:30h ás 12h e 13:30 ás 16:45h."

Kadja Nobel

"A Igreja Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões de Ouro Preto, fica bem perto da igreja de São Francisco de Assis e você pode chegar até ela pela lateral esquerda da igreja de São Francisco de Assis ou pela tua de baixo, é uma igreja menor mas muito bonita por dentro, tanto pela arquitetura quanto pela decoração, é outro local que se deve visitar quando for em Ouro Preto."

Dilson Garcia

What People Like

Historical significance
Aleijadinho's art
Unique social history

What People Dislike

Inconsistent opening hours
Less prominent location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is conveniently located near the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis and the Museu dos Inconfidentes, close to Praça Tiradentes. You can reach it via the side of São Francisco de Assis or by taking the lower path. Reddit

Parking in Ouro Preto's historic center can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited spaces. It's often best to park in designated lots near Praça Tiradentes and walk to the church. TikTok

Yes, Praça Tiradentes is the central square, and from there, you can walk to the church. It's a pleasant walk through the historic streets, though some parts are uphill. Reddit

While Ouro Preto has local buses, walking is the most common and recommended way to explore the historic center and its churches. The distances between major attractions are manageable on foot. Instagram

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as Ouro Preto is known for its steep cobblestone streets. Pace yourself and take breaks to enjoy the views. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, a single ticket grants access to both Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões and Igreja de São Francisco de Assis. This combined ticket is a cost-effective way to see both significant sites. Reddit

The combined ticket for both churches is approximately R$10 (as of recent information). It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival. Reddit

The church is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM. However, opening times can vary, so it's best to check locally. InstagramReddit

Some visitors have noted that the church can be difficult to find open. It's recommended to verify the visiting hours beforehand to ensure you can enter. Instagram

Information on advance online ticket purchases is limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets on-site at the entrance of either church. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

The church features a design for its main chapel attributed to Aleijadinho, a master of Brazilian Baroque. Inside, you'll find a main altar, side altars, and intricately carved wooden pulpits. Reddit

While official guided tours might not always be advertised, you can often find brochures with explanations inside the church. Local guides are also available in Ouro Preto for more in-depth tours. Reddit

Historically, this church served the Black and mulatto population of Ouro Preto, reflecting its social history. It was originally a chapel dedicated to Bom Jesus dos Perdões. Reddit

The church is located on a hill, and Ouro Preto's historic streets are steep and cobblestoned, which can pose challenges for those with mobility issues. TikTok

The Consistório refers to an upper level or chamber within the church, often described as the 'second floor.' It's recommended to visit this area for a fuller experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside Ouro Preto's churches, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask a church attendant. Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Instagram

Focus on the ornate altars, the carved pulpits, and any architectural details attributed to Aleijadinho. The interplay of light and shadow can create dramatic shots. Instagram

Yes, the church's setting on a hill offers picturesque views of the surrounding Ouro Preto landscape. The exterior architecture itself is also photogenic. Instagram

Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, ideal for capturing the details of the church's interior and exterior without harsh shadows. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for both wide shots and details. A prime lens with a wide aperture can be great for low-light interior shots. A tripod might be restricted inside, so a monopod or careful handholding is key. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Ouro Preto's hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can be challenging for very young children, the combined ticket for Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões and Igreja de São Francisco de Assis offers good value. Reddit Consider bringing a stroller that can handle rough terrain or a carrier for infants. The historical narratives, especially the stories of different communities within the city, can be engaging for older children if presented in an accessible way. Reddit Focus on the visual aspects – the ornate altars and unique architecture – which can capture a child's imagination. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers

This church is a treasure trove for those interested in Brazilian Baroque art and history. The connection to Aleijadinho is a major draw, offering a chance to see his architectural and sculptural contributions firsthand. InstagramReddit Delve into the church's unique social history as a place of worship for the Black and mulatto population, providing a more complete understanding of Ouro Preto's past. Reddit Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Consistório for deeper historical context. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The combined ticket for Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões and Igreja de São Francisco de Assis at around R$10 is an excellent value for experiencing two significant historical sites. Reddit Walking is the primary mode of transport within Ouro Preto, saving on taxi or tour costs. Instagram Pack your own snacks and water to avoid frequent purchases from tourist-priced vendors. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistic Legacy of Aleijadinho

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões holds a significant connection to Antônio Francisco Lisboa, known as Aleijadinho, one of Brazil's most celebrated Baroque artists. His design for the church's main chapel (capela-mor) is a testament to his genius, and two saintly images within the interior, São Pedro Nolasco and São Raimundo Nonato, are also attributed to his masterful hand. Reddit Visiting this church offers a chance to appreciate his work in a less crowded setting compared to some of his more famous pieces elsewhere in Ouro Preto. The intricate details and emotional depth characteristic of Aleijadinho's style are evident here, making it a must-see for art history enthusiasts. Instagram

Aleijadinho's involvement in the church's construction, particularly the design of the capela-mor, highlights its importance within the Baroque artistic movement in Minas Gerais. The payment for his design, six oitavas of gold, underscores the value placed on his contributions. Reddit The church's architecture and interior decoration, including the main altar, side altars, and pulpits, reflect the rich artistic heritage of the period, with Aleijadinho's influence adding a layer of historical and artistic prestige. Reddit

A Church with a Unique Social History

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões, often called 'Mercês de Baixo,' carries a distinct social history within Ouro Preto. Originally a chapel dedicated to Bom Jesus dos Perdões, it later became a significant place of worship for the Black and mulatto population of the city. Reddit This historical role is crucial for understanding the diverse social fabric of colonial Brazil and the role of religious institutions in different communities. The church's expansion was necessitated by the growing number of faithful, reflecting its importance to this segment of society. Reddit

This historical context adds a deeper layer to the visitor experience. While many churches in Ouro Preto showcase the wealth and power of the Portuguese crown and elite, Mercês de Baixo offers a glimpse into the spiritual lives of those who were often marginalized. Instagram Exploring its interior and understanding its past provides a more nuanced perspective on Ouro Preto's history, moving beyond the grand narratives to appreciate the contributions and experiences of all its inhabitants. Reddit

Navigating Ouro Preto's Historic Charm

Visiting Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões is part of the broader experience of exploring Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its steep, cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture. TikTokInstagram The journey to the church itself is an immersion into this historic environment. Be prepared for inclines and uneven surfaces; comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential. TikTok Many visitors find that combining a visit to Mercês de Baixo with the nearby Igreja de São Francisco de Assis is an efficient way to experience two of the city's key religious landmarks. Reddit

The church's location, close to the Praça Tiradentes and the Museu dos Inconfidentes, makes it accessible within the compact historic center. Reddit While parking can be a challenge in Ouro Preto, walking is the preferred method of exploration, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way. Instagram The scenic surroundings, including the presence of local wildlife like the João-de-barro bird, add to the charm of the area. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2