Church of Saint John the Baptist 🇧🇷

Step into history at the Church of Saint John the Baptist, also known as Igreja de São Joãozinho, located in Líbano Square in Belém, Brazil. This colonial temple offers a fascinating look into 18th-century architecture, designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Antonio Landi and protected by IPHAN. Originally originating from a 1622 straw-covered building that once imprisoned Jesuit priest Antônio Vieira, the site served as Belém's cathedral for 34 years before the current classicizing Baroque structure was completed in 1777.

When you visit, you will experience a unique floor plan formed by overlapping squares, an irregular octagonal nave, and a central dome featuring slit windows—a rare architectural highlight in the area. Take time to examine the remarkable quadratura and trompe-l'œil paintings created by Landi, which use natural lighting, inverted volutes, and floral motifs to craft stunning illusionary architecture emulating marble in soft pink and green tones. Look out for the remaining canvas paintings by Portuguese artist Francisco de Figueiredo depicting the pilgrimage and beheading of Saint John, set within carefully composed frames.

Whether you are admiring the scenographic effects or reflecting on its rich history, this intimate landmark offers an intriguing stop on your travel itinerary.

What to see at Church of Saint John the Baptist

• Classicizing Baroque facade and irregular octagonal nave designed by Giuseppe Antonio Landi
• Central dome with slit windows, a rare feature in local Belém architecture
• Quadratura and trompe-l'œil illusionary paintings restored in marble-like pink and green tones
• Historical site that served as Belém's cathedral for 34 years and once imprisoned priest Antônio Vieira
• Original 1774 canvases by Portuguese painter Francisco de Figueiredo depicting Saint John

Visiting tips

Pay close attention to how natural lighting highlights the scenographic depth and illusionary architecture of the restored altars inside the nave.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Church of Saint John the Baptist is easy to reach on Belém’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Theatro da Paz and Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Belém travel guide.