History of the Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos in Salvador

The Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, located in the historic centre of Salvador, is a masterpiece of Brazilian Colonial Baroque architecture, built between 1709 and 1733. Built by the Brotherhood of São Pedro dos Clérigos, made up of members of the secular clergy, the church was designed to meet the spiritual needs of this religious community.

With its ornate façade and rich interior decoration, including gilded woodcarvings and rococo influences, the temple is a remarkable example of 18th-century religious architecture. In addition to its architectural value, the church houses important works of sacred art, reflecting the cultural and spiritual importance it has played in the history of Salvador.

History of the Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos

The Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos in Salvador was founded in the 16th century – the date is set around 1580, based on the record of a plenary indulgence granted to the Brotherhood by Pope Clement VIII. – The Brotherhood of São Pedro dos Clérigos de Salvador was first established in an altar that the brothers built in the cathedral. Its first foundation took place during the episcopate of D. Antônio Barreiros, the third diocesan bishop.

Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos – Salvador, Bahia — Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos – Salvador, Bahia

D. Barreiros’ administration was marked by the establishment and implementation of spiritual life at the headquarters of América Portuguesa, with the arrival in the city of several religious orders, such as the Benedictines, Carmelites and Franciscans. The Brotherhood of Saint Peter was formed as a response by the diocesan clergy to the first orders.

Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos (esquerda) e a igreja de São Domingos de Gusmão (direita), ambas no Terreiro de Jesus - Salvador BA — Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos (left) and Church of São Domingos de Gusmão (right), both in Terreiro de Jesus – Salvador, Bahia

In the 18th century, the brothers of the Brotherhood built their chapel near the Archbishop’s Palace. The patronage of Dom Sebastião Monteiro da Vide was crucial to the reorganisation of the Brotherhood.

In addition to the redefinition of the roles of bishops and clergy proposed by the Diocesan Synod, the Fraternity took on new functions, promoting the community of brothers, complementing their education and providing mutual assistance and support.

Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos em Salvador02:13

Turismo Religioso em Salvador03:32

In 1709, the friars purchased land from the Jesuits to build their headquarters. They built a small chapel on the site, which was destroyed in 1797 by a landslide that hit buildings in the upper town of Salvador, causing several deaths. Nothing remains of the original chapel.

The temple that remains today is the result of work carried out at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries. The decorative ensemble of the Confraternity stands out for its carvings, which reflect the new tastes that were being adopted in Salvador. The altarpiece is a literal reproduction of a model by Andrea Pozzo, with a monumentality that surprises with its clear structure, ornate capitals and full-length gilded figures that act as pinnacles in the structure of the altarpiece.

The images on the main altar include an impressive St. Peter in life-size papal robes, St. Paul and Our Lady of the Conception, to whom the chapel is dedicated. On the side altars are images of Saint Lucy, Saint Amaro, Saint Eloi and Our Lady of the Gates of Heaven. Most of these works were executed in the second half of the 18th century and are of great visual impact and high artistic quality.