Igreja Santo Antonio da Barra (Church of Saint Antony of Barra), Salvador

Set on a seaside hill, the Church of Saint Anthony of Barra is one of three Salvador churches named for the Portuguese saint. Its 17th-century design, with layered rooftops, offers a breathtaking perspective. By leaning slightly over the balustrade and clearing away some vegetation, one can glimpse Humaitá Point and the Monte Serrat complex on the city’s far side. Thus, the church is also a natural lookout that frames the surrounding landscape.

The building itself is compact and low, with small, simple openings. Framed by stonework, the wide apron stones add to its sturdy appearance. The pyramid-shaped towers are tiled and feature pinnacles at the corners. Arched openings and smaller square windows on the lower level give the towers a distinct Renaissance influence. Some have suggested that the façade is a pure Renaissance design, echoing the style of Lisbon’s Monte Sinai Church. Inside, notable artisans like António Joaquim Franco Velasco, a disciple of the renowned 18th-century painter José Joaquim da Rocha, contributed to the church’s intricate decoration.