Designed by Aleijadinho’s father, Manuel Francisco Lisboa, this church was built between 1727 and 1770. The eagle with downturned head and the Virgin Mary surrounded by cherubs both stand atop images of the moon, Portuguese iconographic elements that symbolize the Christians’ domination of the Moors. Aleijadinho is buried by the altar. The adjoining Museu do Aleijadinho displays works by Aleijadinho and other 18th-century masters. Undergoing renovation at the time of research, the church was expected to reopen in March 2016.
