Church of the Third Order of St Francis

A striking example of Baroque architecture in Salvador, the Church of the Third Order of St Francis, in Largo do Pelourinho, is notable for its sandstone-carved façade, gilded interiors, Portuguese tile panels and valuable works of religious art.

Fachada da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São francisco em Salvador — Façade of the Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Video – History and Architecture of the Church of the Third Order of St Francis

Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco em Salvador09:56

Fachada da da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São francisco em Salvador

Conheça a Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, em Salvador20:21

See also the details of the church’s façade – ICONOGRAPHY OF THE FAÇADE OF THE CHURCH OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS IN SALVADOR, BAHIA

History and chronology

The presence of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador dates back to the colonial period. The foundation stone of the present church was laid on 1 January 1702. Construction of the church and convent took place throughout the 18th century, with the finishing and decoration work continuing until the middle of the century.

Exterior and external features

The façade is notable for its high-relief carvings on limestone and sandstone, featuring pilasters and Plateresque ornamentation. In the central niche stands a marble statue of Saint Francis. The two simpler side towers contrast with the richly decorated central section.

Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco — História, Arte e Arquitetura Barroca — Church of the Third Order of St Francis — History, Art and Baroque Architecture

Interior, woodcarving and decoration

The interior is adorned with carvings and gilding that cover the walls, columns, chapels and altars. The ceiling features paintings from the colonial period, and the sacristy is renowned for its rich wood carvings and marble details. In the 19th century, some of the Baroque décor was complemented by altars in the Neoclassical style.

Interior da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São francisco em Salvador — Interior of the Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Sala do Consistório da Ordem Terceira — Consistory Hall of the Third Order

Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São francisco em Salvador — Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Teto da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco em Salvador — Ceiling of the Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Portuguese tiles

The tile panels, found in the cloister, corridors and sacristy, are a highlight of the complex. In shades of blue, they depict a variety of scenes, including urban landscapes and religious episodes, forming one of the country’s most significant collections of tiles.

Azulejos portugueses da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São francisco em Salvador — Portuguese tiles from the Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Azulejos da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco em Salvador — Tiles from the Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Works of art and treasures

Among the highlights are religious sculptures, life-size figures on display in the “Casa dos Santos” and pieces featuring exquisite detailing that form part of local processions and rituals. The church also preserves liturgical and decorative elements of great artistic value.

Obras da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São francisco em Salvador — Construction work on the Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Lavabo em mármore do Alentejo, em estilo Dom João V, da Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco em Salvador — A washbasin made of Alentejo marble, in the Dom João V style, from the Church of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador

Floor plan and architectural features

Unlike the more common Franciscan-style church found in the North-East, this church has three naves, offering greater spaciousness and a more complex decorative scheme. The façade opens onto a square with a cross-shaped layout, integrating the complex into the urban fabric of Pelourinho.

Restoration and conservation

The complex underwent restoration work throughout the 20th century and continues to undergo regular conservation work to preserve the woodcarvings, tiles and sculpted elements, which are essential to the preservation of its architectural and religious heritage.

Visiting hours

Situated in Largo do Pelourinho, the church is a tourist and religious attraction in Salvador. When visiting, please respect conservation guidelines and liturgical timetables; part of the building serves as a museum, allowing visitors to admire the tiles, woodcarvings and religious images.

See also: Baroque architecture • Largo do Pelourinho • Salvador

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