Founded in 1585, the Convento de São Francisco is the oldest Franciscan religious complex in Brazil and one of the most important examples of colonial religious architecture in the country. The complex consists of the main church (Igreja Nossa Senhora das Neves), the Chapel of São Roque, the Chapel of the Third Order of Saint Francis, and the cloister — each worth time in its own right.
The azulejo tile panels in the cloister are the highlight: large blue-and-white tile murals covering the walls with scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, produced in Portugal in the 18th century. The church interior is heavily decorated in baroque carved woodwork with gilded accents. The cloister garden, shaded by old trees, offers a quiet contrast to the busy streets outside. Entry is paid and includes the main church and cloister; the adjacent Chapels have their own hours.