Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Built in the mid-18th century and funded by a diamond contractor. Its bell tower is unusually placed behind the church, and the interior is lavishly gilded.
Carmo Church was built in the 1760s and funded by João Fernandes, the diamond contractor and partner of Chica da Silva. Its most distinctive feature is that the bell tower stands at the rear rather than the front. Local legend says this is because Chica did not want to be woken by the bells, or so that she, a woman of color, could enter the front part of the church. The ceiling paintings, gilded altars, and organ decorated with gold leaf are exquisite. The organ was made locally and can still be played today. Admission is a small fee. Located in the town center on Rua do Carmo.
Opening hours
About 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Rua da Quitanda & Vesperata
- Casa de Chica da Silva
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos
- Mercado Velho
- Catedral Metropolitana de Santo Antônio
- Museu do Diamante
- Igreja de São Francisco de Assis
- Casa de Juscelino Kubitschek