Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church is a historic religious site of colonial design. Its whitewashed façade has a quaint bell tower, a curved pediment and a few rectangular windows, while the roof hoists a pair of crosses. Stroll along the charming cobbled lane that runs alongside this intriguing church.
Capture photos of the elegant and simple frontage and admire the arched windows in the bell tower. Ascend the small steps that lead to the black door in the façade and enter the church.
The interior consists of a single nave adorned with works of art. Approach the altar and inspect the impressive altarpiece, which depicts Our Lady of the Conception, which is the English translation of the church’s name.
Get a closer look at the rest of the sacred images and religious artifacts that decorate the walls of the nave. Examine the baptismal font, donated by the Portuguese in the 18th century. Note that construction initially commenced on the church in the early 1600s, before finally being completed in 1750.
Chat with locals and hear the legend of the journey of the font that was initially on its way to São Paulo from Portugal. It is said a storm forced the ship to stop at Angra dos Reis. The crew believed it was the will of Our Lady of the Conception that the font should remain here.
Once you have visited the church go outside to relax in the spacious General Silvestre Travassos Square and watch people go by.
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church is on the southwestern side of the downtown area of Angra dos Reis. Make sure to see nearby attractions, including Nilo Peçanha Square, the Bica da Carioca open-air museum and the Teophilo Massad Theater.
