Igreja de São Francisco de Assis

Igreja de São Francisco de Assis Review

Considered Aleijadinho's masterpiece, this church was begun in 1766 by the Franciscan Third Order and not completed until 1810. Aleijadinho designed the structure and was responsible for the wood and soapstone sculptures on the portal, high altar, side altars, pulpits, and crossing arch. The panel on the nave ceiling representing the Virgin's glorification was painted by Ataíde. Cherubic faces, garlands of tropical fruits, and allegorical characters carved into the main altar are still covered with their original paint.