Founded in 1685 by one of the first brotherhoods of black men in Brasil, the Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos Church was built in Pelourinho by black church servants and slaves living in Salvador. It took decades to be finished (1704 to 1780), because the brotherhood members could only work during their spare time.
The towers in Rococo style and bulb terminations are lined with tiles depicting scenes of devotion towards the Lisbon Rosary, dating back to 1790. Inside the church, panels depict scenes from the life of São Domingos and, in addition to the name of the Church’s patron saint, there are also images of Saint Benedict, Saint Anthony of Cartago, and the Crucifixion of Jesus, in ivory. Alters feature a neoclassical style and an old slave cemetery lies in the back.
On Tuesdays, the church hosts an incredible demonstration of Bahia’s religious syncretism, during the Blessing Tuesdays, which are rhythmic masses using the same instruments found in Candomblé rituals.
Terças da Bênção [Blessing Tuesdays] (African masses) are held every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Bahia Tourist Hotline: +55 (71) 3103-3103
R$ 2,00.
Address
Praça José de Alencar – Largo do Pelourinho – Salvador – Bahia
The easiest way to get to the Church is by taxi. Check out some of the taxi companies and rates available.
The bus line leading to the Pelourinho, where the Church is located, is Praça da Sé. Check out bus itineraries in Salvador. You can also use the double-decker tour bus to get there.
