São Francisco: Church of BlingSalvador, Brazil
Whether you believe in god or not, a visit to this magnificent place of worship in Salvador’s colonial quarter is a religious experience in its own right. The elaborate Franciscan church dates back to 1686 and took decades to complete due to the intricate, gilded design of its facade and interior.
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Pay a visit during Sunday morning mass and prepare to be dazzled by the ornately painted ceilings and woodwork, plated with nearly a tonne of gold leaf, or come on a weekday evening to bask in quiet contemplation amid the glow of prayer candles.
You don’t have to pay to enter the church.
Praca Anchieta, s/n | Centro, Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil
Beware of some unscrupulous locals, who pose as tour guides to make a quick buck from confused tourists.