Our Lady of Sorrows Church 🇧🇷

You will find the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows standing proudly at the top of a hill in Porto Alegre. As the city's oldest standing Catholic temple and a recognized national heritage site, this historic landmark offers you a captivating glimpse into Brazil's deep religious art and history. Elevated to a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis in 2022, its exterior features an imposing, eclectic facade with Germanic influences, twin side towers crowned by metal wind roses, and statues depicting Faith, Hope, and Charity.

Once you step inside, you will experience a dramatic transition into late Baroque and colonial design. The single nave is richly adorned with gilded woodwork, Solomonic columns, carved side altars, and a coffered ceiling painted with floral motifs. As you explore the interior, look for the remarkable collection of historic statuary.

You can admire life-size Baroque figures of Christ representing the Passion cycle brought from Portugal in 1871, along with sacred images of the patron saint dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Accessible via a monumental staircase off Andradas Street, this remarkable basilica provides a deeply rewarding cultural stop during your visit to Porto Alegre.

What to see at Our Lady of Sorrows Church

• Eclectic exterior facade with Germanic influence, twin bell towers, and statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity
• Richly decorated interior featuring gilded woodwork, Solomonic columns, and a painted coffered ceiling
• Life-size Baroque statues depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ imported from Portugal in 1871
• Historic patron saint statues, including a 17th-century figure adorned with a silver sword and diadem
• Imposing monumental entrance staircase and churchyard accessed from Andradas Street

Visiting tips

Enter from Andradas Street and take your time walking up the monumental staircase to admire the detailed stone facade before exploring the interior.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Our Lady of Sorrows Church is easy to reach on Porto Alegre’s public transport, and pairs naturally with São Pedro Theatre and Piratini palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Porto Alegre travel guide.