Museum of Religious Art

The Museum of Religious Art in Salvador occupies the beautifully preserved Church and Convent of São Francisco, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Inside, visitors can explore a vast collection of religious sculptures, paintings, goldwork, and vestments dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. The museum's highlight is the sacristy, adorned with intricate wood carvings and azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis. The serene cloister and gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. Distinctive for its setting within an active religious complex, the museum provides insight into the role of the Catholic Church in colonial Brazil and the fusion of European, African, and Indigenous artistic traditions.

Don't miss

• Admire the gold-covered Baroque altars and intricate woodcarvings in the church interior.
• View the collection of sacred silverware, including chalices, monstrances, and processional crosses.
• See the 18th-century azulejo panels depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis in the sacristy.
• Explore the cloister with its tranquil gardens and colonial-era fountain.
• Don't miss the small chapel of the Third Order, with its ornate ceiling paintings.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Museum of Religious Art

Cheapest way inTransfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador4.9★ · 82 travelers1-2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →Best full daySalvador City Tour – Discover Brazil’s First Capital En, It, Es5★ · 220 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$181 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleSalvador Essencial Private 6 Hour Tour4.9★ · 24 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$150 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the collection and architecture.
• Photography without flash is usually permitted, but check at the entrance.
• As the museum is part of a former church, modest dress is respectful.
• Guided tours in Portuguese and English are available and highly recommended for context.

A bit of history

The Church and Convent of São Francisco were built between 1686 and 1750 by the Franciscan order. After the church was deconsecrated in the early 20th century, the Museum of Religious Art was established here in 1959 to preserve and display sacred artifacts from across Bahia.