Convento de São Francisco Olinda
A colonial masterpiece in Olinda, housing Brazil's largest collection of Portuguese azulejos and stunning Baroque art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Convento de São Francisco Olinda
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colonial masterpiece in Olinda, housing Brazil's largest collection of Portuguese azulejos and stunning Baroque art.
"A pearl of Brazilian colonial architecture, a must-visit for its history and stunning azulejo artistry."
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Emanoel offer deep historical knowledge, making the visit truly revealing.
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be present in darker, enclosed areas. Protect yourself for a more comfortable visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Azulejo Masterpieces
Interior of the Convent
Marvel at the largest collection of Portuguese tiles in Brazil, adorning the walls with intricate blue and white artistry.
Baroque Architecture
Church and Convent
Experience the grandeur of Brazilian colonial Baroque architecture, a testament to the region's historical significance.
Artistic Heritage
Convent Museum
Discover valuable and beautiful artwork within the convent, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the colonial period.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Emanoel offer deep historical knowledge, making the visit truly revealing.
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be present in darker, enclosed areas. Protect yourself for a more comfortable visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the historic grounds.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit; take time to appreciate the detailed artwork and historical significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Emanoel offer deep historical knowledge, making the visit truly revealing.
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be present in darker, enclosed areas. Protect yourself for a more comfortable visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the historic grounds.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit; take time to appreciate the detailed artwork and historical significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Convento de São Francisco for its stunning collection of Portuguese azulejos and its significant Baroque architecture, calling it a pearl of Brazilian colonial art. While the historical and artistic value is highly appreciated, some reviewers note that certain areas could benefit from restoration and maintenance.
"O mais importante é o guia Emanoel. Ele tem um conhecimento profundo de tudo que ele mostra. Recomendo passar repelente porque tem mosquitos nos ambientes escuros. Mas vale a pena pela História. É muito revelador."
Jean Pierre Mésidor
"The church is part of the San Francisco complex. It's the most complete and richest art site we saw in all of Olinda (other sites are closed). Adults are charged 5 reales and are allowed to tour much of the convent and church. The artwork is very valuable and beautiful. One wishes it were more fully preserved, but I understand the complexity of it. It's truly worth the visit."
María Cecilia B.
"Igreja é linda, assim como o convento. Entretanto, é necessário uma restauração e manutenção de várias partes."
Wagner Bitencourt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Convento de São Francisco is located in the historic center of Olinda. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or local buses from Recife. Walking is also an option if you are already exploring the historic city center.
Parking in the historic center of Olinda can be challenging due to narrow streets. It's often best to park a bit further away and walk, or utilize ride-sharing services for direct drop-off.
Absolutely! The Convento de São Francisco is centrally located, making it easy to combine with visits to other churches, viewpoints, and artisan shops in Olinda's historic UNESCO World Heritage site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adults are typically charged a small fee, around 5 reais, for entry to the convent and church complex. Prices can vary, so it's good to check upon arrival.
The convent is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's advisable to check the most current opening hours before your visit, as some sections might have different access times.
Advance booking is usually not required for the Convento de São Francisco. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon your visit for any available concessions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Convento de São Francisco, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of the sacred space and other visitors. Some areas might have restrictions, so observe any signage.
The azulejo-covered cloisters and the intricately decorated church interiors offer stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the details of the Baroque art and the Portuguese tiles.
Drone photography is typically not allowed in historic religious sites like the Convento de São Francisco due to preservation concerns and respect for the site.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Convento de São Francisco is a significant example of Brazilian colonial Baroque architecture and houses one of the most important collections of Portuguese azulejos in Brazil, reflecting the cultural exchange of the era.
Inside, you'll find beautifully decorated chapels, cloisters adorned with azulejos, religious art, and historical artifacts that tell the story of its past.
While the convent is a historical treasure, some reviews mention that certain parts could benefit from restoration and maintenance, though the artwork remains valuable and beautiful.
A thorough visit, allowing time to appreciate the art and history, can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical Tip: Ensure children wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring insect repellent, as recommended for all visitors. The heat and humidity can also be a factor, so staying hydrated is key. If visiting with younger children, a shorter, focused visit might be more manageable.
🏛️ History Buffs
Recommendation: Consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide, like Emanoel, who can provide in-depth historical context and point out details you might otherwise miss. This will significantly enrich your understanding and appreciation of the convent's historical significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Azulejo Collection
These azulejos are not merely decorative; they are a crucial part of the convent's historical narrative. The sheer scale and preservation of this collection make it a standout feature, distinguishing the Convento de São Francisco as a vital site for understanding the artistic heritage of colonial Brazil. Visitors often express awe at the beauty and extent of this tiled artistry, making it a must-see aspect of the visit.
Baroque Architecture and Artistry
While the architectural grandeur is undeniable, some visitors note that certain areas of the convent could benefit from further restoration and maintenance. However, this does not detract from the overall experience of appreciating the historical artistry. The convent serves as a tangible link to Brazil's past, offering a profound glimpse into the religious and artistic life of the colonial period. A guided tour can greatly enhance the understanding and appreciation of these artistic elements.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit