Wandering about beautiful Fortaleza, the capital of the Brazilian state of Ceará, I stumbled on this church that captured my attention for its elegant simplicity. Its bright white and light blue tones, inevitably reminding Portuguese Catholic style, are a clean, pleasant sight to be enjoyed against the azure sea on the horizon. This is Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Prainha, and stands between shopping street Rua Monsenhor Tabosa and cultural centre Dragão Do Mar. Simple and candid white, this is one of the places to visit in Fortaleza.
Apart from being a church, it’s also an education center to form priests and clergy. Built-in 1841, the seminary within the church was founded in 1864 by the first Bishop of the city, Dom Luís Antônio dos Santos.
Despite this church being pretty and the fact that now locals love it, I can’t refrain from thinking that it’s one of the many symbols of Portuguese colonization in a moment of history when Europeans considered themselves the only possible way to both God and civilization. Fortunately, the time has proved them wrong.
I’ve been coming to Brazil for some twenty years, and little by little I’ve been thinking I would like to spend more time exploring this country that although it has a fairly new history, hides some pretty interesting cultural and traditional pearls.
This pastel-hued church gives a peaceful vibe both outside and inside. Its facade is white and embellished with blue tiles, while its interior is decorated using warm colors. In proper colonial style, it’s very simple and down-to-earth. Perfect place to visit as a tourist as well as for praying.
Address: Av. Monsenhor Tabosa, S/N – Praia de Iracema
Opening hours: Daily 8 am-12 pm and 1-5 pm, Saturday only 8 am-12 pm.
Entrance fee: Free.
What a beautiful church! I love the simplicity of its facade – white with the blue tile accents. It’s very calming and almost feels like it should be a seaside church. Looking forward to reading more about your Brazilean adventures.
Hi Mary! Thanks for stopping by :) Sure the church was a peaceful view in Fortaleza city center! Both outside and inside it gave an idea of serenity and spirituality.
I love those blue tiles on the outside. Really nice looking church.
Very elegant in its simplicity…
You know, when I’m in European cathedrals – in Portugal and Spain, especially – I can’t help but think about how much of the splendor is stolen from countries once colonized – and often brought about with violent means. Beautiful structures, to be sure – but also sad.
True, very sad. All magnificent palaces have sad stories behind, most of the times stories of forgotten people. European palaces in colonized countries are the symbol of colonization, and although now they are monuments to visit, I think it’s still pretty fresh in collective memory..