Igreja e Ordem Terceira de São Francisco
A dazzling Baroque church in Salvador, famous for its interior adorned with an astonishing amount of gold leaf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Igreja e Ordem Terceira de São Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dazzling Baroque church in Salvador, famous for its interior adorned with an astonishing amount of gold leaf.
"The outside is impressive and the inside even more so. Just wow!"
✨ Prepare for the Gold
The interior is incredibly ornate with gold. Some find it ironic given St. Francis's vows of poverty.
🤩 Don't Skip the Interior
The facade is impressive, but the inside is truly breathtaking with its gold and detailed altars.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 512 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baroque Gold Interior
An astonishing display of gold-covered Baroque reliefs and Neoclassical altars that will leave you speechless.
Ornate Facade
One of Salvador's most intricately decorated church facades, hinting at the splendor within.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Gold Overload
Beyond the Facade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📍Igreja da ordem terceira de São Francisco, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil 🇧🇷 Built in 1703, it contains the last portuguese azulejaria representing Lisbon before the catastrophic 1755 earthquake.
I forgot to mention but the dimensions of the 1st and 2nd pics are big so you can zoom in to see it in more details :)
✨ Prepare for the Gold
The interior is incredibly ornate with gold. Some find it ironic given St. Francis's vows of poverty.
🤩 Don't Skip the Interior
The facade is impressive, but the inside is truly breathtaking with its gold and detailed altars.
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: Church of San Francsico (Igreja de São Francisco)
Nothing says "poverty" like gilded wood :-) Seriously, though, the gold foil used is around 0.1 microns thick so we're looking at few kilos of gold for the whole church. The manual work that went in there is worth much more.
São Francisco Church and Convent, Salvador, Brazil.
Wow. How old is this church? I wonder if it was constructed during colonialism. It's so beautiful.
📸 Capture the Details
Bring your camera to capture the stunning Baroque reliefs and Neoclassical altars. Photography is usually allowed.
Post your church: igreja São Francisco. salvador ,Brazil
The wood looks so intricate! I feel like this photo isnt doing it justice
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Prepare for the Gold
The interior is incredibly ornate with gold. Some find it ironic given St. Francis's vows of poverty.
🤩 Don't Skip the Interior
The facade is impressive, but the inside is truly breathtaking with its gold and detailed altars.
📸 Capture the Details
Bring your camera to capture the stunning Baroque reliefs and Neoclassical altars. Photography is usually allowed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Igreja e Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, particularly its incredibly ornate interior covered in gold. While some find the opulence ironic given St. Francis's vows, most agree it's a breathtaking and essential sight in Salvador. The facade is also noted as impressive.
"The outside is impressive and the inside even more so."
Moira-Anne S
"Just wow!"
Vladimir Parezanovic
"The facade is one of the most ornate in Salvador. The interior is stunning as well. The church next door is more pompous (way more gold ornate) but this one holds its ground and is totally worth the visit!"
Gregorio Ossola
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It's accessible by taxi, ride-sharing services, or local buses. Many visitors explore it as part of a walking tour of the historic Pelourinho district.
Yes, it's situated in a prominent area of Salvador's historic center, making it relatively easy to locate, especially if you're exploring Pelourinho.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, there is a small entrance fee to visit the interior of the church. It's advisable to check current admission prices before your visit.
Opening hours can vary, but churches in this area usually open in the morning and close in the late afternoon. It's best to confirm the exact times for the day you plan to visit.
Photography is generally permitted inside, but it's always a good idea to be respectful and check for any specific signage or ask a church attendant if you're unsure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors are struck by the interior, which is lavishly decorated with gold leaf, showcasing intricate Baroque reliefs and Neoclassical altars. The sheer amount of gold is often highlighted.
Absolutely! Reviewers consistently praise its stunning facade and, even more so, its breathtakingly ornate interior. It's considered a must-see in Salvador.
You'll likely want at least 30-60 minutes to fully appreciate the exterior details and explore the opulent interior. If you're a history or art enthusiast, you might spend longer.
While Salvador has many beautiful churches, this one is particularly noted for its high concentration of gold decoration. Some compare it to the nearby São Francisco church, noting this one holds its own despite being less famous.
📸 📸 Photography
The ornate facade offers great exterior shots. Inside, focus on the gilded altars, intricate carvings, and the overall grandeur of the space. Look for unique angles to capture the scale of the gold.
Lighting can be a challenge as it's a historic church. Try to visit when natural light is best, or be prepared to use higher ISO settings on your camera or phone. The gold itself reflects light beautifully.
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