IGREJA DAS MERCÊS

Built of wood in 1640, the church of Nossa Senhora das Mercês was founded by Pedro de La Rua and João das Mercês, priests of the Order of Mercy, who settled in Belém in 1640 and built a small wattle-and-daub convent. Rebuilt to plans by Italian architect Antônio José Landi (1713-1791), the church has a convex facade with undulating lines. The building is grandiose, but the interior of the church remains simple, with a few carved wooden details. Unfortunately, the façade is in ruins and awaits restoration.