São Francisco da Penitência Rio de Janeiro
A colonial gem in Rio's center, this church boasts an exuberant Baroque interior with gilded woodwork and painted ceilings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
São Francisco da Penitência Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colonial gem in Rio's center, this church boasts an exuberant Baroque interior with gilded woodwork and painted ceilings.
"Impressive! A beautiful surprise to discover the hidden gems of the Franciscan fraternity."
🎟️ Museum Ticket
Entry to the church is free, but the museum requires a separate ticket.
✨ Baroque Details
Don't miss the gilded woodwork and painted ceilings inside the church.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exuberant Baroque Interior
Main Church
Marvel at the stunning gilded woodwork and intricately painted ceilings, a true masterpiece of Brazilian Baroque art.
Franciscan Museum
Attached to the Church
Explore a small collection of antique pieces, paintings, furniture, and historical documents from the Franciscan fraternity.
Colonial Architecture
Exterior and Surroundings
Appreciate the historical significance of this colonial church, located next to the Convent of Santo Antônio on a prominent hill.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessing the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Museum Ticket
Entry to the church is free, but the museum requires a separate ticket.
✨ Baroque Details
Don't miss the gilded woodwork and painted ceilings inside the church.
📸 Photography
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
📍 Location
Located next to the Convent of Santo Antônio in the center of Rio.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Museum Ticket
Entry to the church is free, but the museum requires a separate ticket.
✨ Baroque Details
Don't miss the gilded woodwork and painted ceilings inside the church.
📸 Photography
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
📍 Location
Located next to the Convent of Santo Antônio in the center of Rio.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the church's stunning and exuberant Baroque interior, highlighting the gilded woodwork and painted ceilings as particularly impressive. While the church itself is a historical gem, some reviews note that the conservation of the attached museum and its artifacts leaves something to be desired, despite the valuable collection it houses.
"It is a colonial church located next to the Convent of Santo Antônio, on the hill of the same name, in the center of Rio with its exuberant baroque decoration. Its interior has gilded woodwork and painted ceilings. There is a small exhibition of antique pieces, paintings, furniture, documents and images that can only be accessed by paying; however, the conservation of these objects and the building itself leaves much to be desired.
(English) It is a colonial church located next to the Convent of Santo Antônio, on the hill of the same name, in the center of Rio, with its exuberant baroque decoration. Its interior has gilded woodwork and painted ceilings. There is a small exhibition of antique pieces, paintings, furniture, documents and images that can only be accessed by paying; however, the conservation of these objects and the building itself leaves much to be desired.
(Italian) It is a colonial church located next to the Convent of Santo Antônio, on the hill of the same name, in the center of Rio, with its exuberant baroque decoration. The interior is characterized by golden boiserie and painted soffits. There is a small sample of antique pieces, paintings, furniture, documents and images, accessible only a pagamento; however, the state of conservation of these objects and the building itself leaves much to be desired.
(Français) Il s'agit d'une église coloniale situate à côté du couvent de Santo Antônio, sur colline du même nom, dans le center-ville de Rio. Its exuberant baroque decor is complemented by golden boiseries and painted ceilings. A small exhibition of antiques, paintings, furniture, documents and images, accessible only for a fee, is presented. Cependant, la conservation de ces objets et du bâtiment lui-même laisse à désirer."
Carlos Pettinati
"Impressive! When we talk about visiting RJ, most of us don't imagine we'll find architecture of this style. It was a beautiful surprise to discover the hidden gems of the Franciscan fraternity."
Francisca Navarro
"One of the best churches to visit in RJ. You pay an entrance fee, which includes the museum and the other chapels. Highly recommended."
Juan Miani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the center of Rio de Janeiro, next to the Convent of Santo Antônio. You can reach it by public transport, including buses and the VLT (light rail). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, it's situated on a prominent hill in the city center, making it relatively easy to locate. It's a well-known historical landmark.
The area around the church is part of downtown Rio, which offers other attractions like the National Library and Porto Maravilha. Consider using the VLT to navigate between these sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church itself is generally free. However, there is a fee to access the attached museum which houses antique pieces and exhibits.
The museum ticket typically grants access to a small exhibition of antique pieces, paintings, furniture, documents, and images related to the Franciscan fraternity.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check locally or online before your visit. Weekday mornings are often recommended to avoid crowds.
Yes, the museum is attached to the church, so you can visit both during your trip. Plan for extra time if you wish to thoroughly explore the museum exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the church, but it's always good practice to be respectful of worshippers and any posted signs. Flash photography might be restricted.
The interior, with its gilded woodwork and painted ceilings, is a prime spot. The exterior architecture and its setting next to the convent also offer great photographic opportunities.
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning, is recommended to get clearer shots without too many people in the background.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The church is a prime example of Brazilian Baroque architecture, known for its exuberant decoration, gilded woodwork, and painted ceilings.
The church was built between 1657 and 1733, making it a significant historical monument in Rio de Janeiro.
The Convent of Santo Antônio is historically linked to the church and is part of the same Franciscan complex. It adds to the historical context of the area.
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Deep Dives
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The Splendor of Brazilian Baroque
This style flourished in Brazil from the 17th to the early 19th centuries, influenced by European Baroque but adapted to local materials and artistic traditions. The São Francisco da Penitência church, built between 1657 and 1733, stands as a significant example of this era. Its intricate details and the sheer volume of gold used reflect the wealth and religious fervor of the time. Visiting this church offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the artistic and spiritual heritage of colonial Brazil firsthand.
Exploring the Franciscan Museum
It's worth noting that some visitor reviews mention that the conservation of the museum's objects and the building itself could be improved. While the collection is historically valuable, expectations regarding the presentation and upkeep might need to be managed. Despite this, for those interested in delving deeper into the history and material culture associated with the church and its fraternity, the museum offers a valuable, albeit small, collection.
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