Our Lady of the Conception of the Military, Recife

The Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Military was established in the early 18th century by a brotherhood formed by soldiers and sergeants of an infantry regiment. Permission to build the church was granted in 1725, and the first masses were held in 1726. It served military worship, with devotion to Our Lady of the Conception supported by the Portuguese Crown.

The architecture follows a traditional colonial plan. The façade is restrained, with a central entrance and limited ornamentation, though its pediment shows Rococo influence. The structure has a single nave leading to the main altar, with proportions typical of the 18th century. Despite later repairs and modifications, the church retains its original layout and spatial organization.

Inside, the decoration is more elaborate. Carved wooden altarpieces covered in gold leaf, painted panels, and a detailed ceiling create a dense visual setting. The interior reflects northern Portuguese influence adapted by local craftsmen. A carved wooden gallery runs along the nave, and the church remains active after recent restoration recovered much of its original color and gilding.