The largest of the colonial churches on the bluff, originally built in 1535 and rebuilt in the 18th century after a collapse. The simple whitewashed façade and single bell tower are typical of Bahian colonial parish churches; the interior holds a small wooden image of Our Lady of Penha, a popular pilgrimage object, and a painted ceiling depicting the discovery of Brazil.
The church still functions and holds Mass on weekend mornings. Outside Mass hours the doors are usually open to visitors during the day. The small square in front is a good spot to take in the view down the coast — a much-photographed angle that puts the church silhouette against the long line of beach.