
Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões Mercês de Baixo
A historically rich Baroque church in Ouro Preto, known for Aleijadinho's touch and its significance to the Black and mulatto community.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões Mercês de Baixo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

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

🎟️ 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Church Exterior and Surroundings
This church historically served the Black and mulatto population, reflecting a significant aspect of Ouro Preto's social history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit with São Francisco de Assis
Accessibility and Opening Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from São Francisco
Easily reachable from São Francisco de Assis church, either from the side or the lower path.
🖼️ Don't Miss the Consistório
Explore the 'second floor' or Consistório for a unique perspective and historical insights.
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!
⏰ Check Opening Hours
This church can be tricky to find open. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from São Francisco
Easily reachable from São Francisco de Assis church, either from the side or the lower path.
🖼️ Don't Miss the Consistório
Explore the 'second floor' or Consistório for a unique perspective and historical insights.
🌳 Scenic Surroundings
Enjoy the beautiful landscape and the presence of the João-de-barro bird around the church.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as Ouro Preto is known for its steep cobblestone streets. Pace yourself and take breaks to enjoy the views.
🎫 🎫 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.
The combined ticket for both churches is approximately R$10 (as of recent information). It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival.
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.
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.
Information on advance online ticket purchases is limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets on-site at the entrance of either church.
🎫 ⛪ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Yes, the church's setting on a hill offers picturesque views of the surrounding Ouro Preto landscape. The exterior architecture itself is also photogenic.
Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, ideal for capturing the details of the church's interior and exterior without harsh shadows.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Legacy of Aleijadinho
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. 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.
A Church with a Unique Social History
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. 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.
Navigating Ouro Preto's Historic Charm
The church's location, close to the Praça Tiradentes and the Museu dos Inconfidentes, makes it accessible within the compact historic center. 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. The scenic surroundings, including the presence of local wildlife like the João-de-barro bird, add to the charm of the area.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit