Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco (Church and Convent of St. Francis), Salvador (must see)

The Church and Convent of Saint Francis is more than just a historic site—it’s officially one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. And it’s easy to see why: the place is overflowing with grandeur and historic charm.

The original church and convent were built by Franciscan friars after their arrival in Salvador in 1587. Sadly, they didn’t withstand the Dutch invasions of the 17th century; however, in the early 1700s, new construction began on the very same site, giving rise to the structures that stand today.

Now a certified national treasure, the interior is home to a jaw-dropping 55,000 hand-painted Portuguese tiles—the largest collection of its kind in any Latin American church. Among the highlights is a striking tiled scene depicting the birth of Saint Francis. Surrounding this masterpiece are intricately carved wood panels dusted with gold, showcasing classic Brazilian Baroque motifs: leaves, pelicans, flowers, and cherubic figures.

Look even closer and you’ll find polychrome statues from Bahia's finest sculptors, as well as intricately carved wood, and even a pair of stone fonts straight from the hands of King João V of Portugal. You’ll also be rewarded with a painted ceiling above, ornate pulpits to the side, and an impressive lineup of saintly figures: Saint Peter of Alcantara, Saint Benedict, Saint Joseph, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Anthony, and, of course, Saint Francis of Assisi presiding over the high altar. The left aisle brings its own celestial ensemble: Our Lady of the Conception, Our Lady of Glory, Our Lady of Piety, Our Lady of Saint Anne, joined by Saint Lucy and Saint Dominic for good measure.

Out front, a massive stone cross completes the scene. Standing at 26 feet tall and hauled all the way from Lisbon in 1807, it’s the perfect cherry on top of this baroque masterpiece.