Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
The main church, said to contain about 400 kilograms of gold in its interior decoration. Its gleaming carvings reflect the wealth of the gold rush era.
Built in the first half of the 18th century, the church has a plain exterior but a remarkable interior, with a ten-sided nave and altars, pulpits and angel figures covered in gilded wood carvings. It is one of Brazil's most ornate examples of Portuguese Baroque interior design. A religious art museum in the basement displays sacred vessels and silverware. Admission is about 20 reais. It is about a 10-minute downhill walk from Praça Tiradentes, and photography inside is usually prohibited.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00; often closed Mondays (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Teatro Municipal de Ouro Preto (Casa da Ópera)
- Casa dos Contos
- Museu do Oratório
- Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Museu da Inconfidência
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People
- Praça Tiradentes
- Museum of Science and Technology of the School of Mines