Saint Francis of Assisi Church

The Archdiocesan Sanctuary or Saint Francis of Assisi Church of Pampulha, in Belo Horizonte, MG is an architectural project by Oscar Niemeyer. The church’s curved lines seduced artists and architects, but scandalized the city’s modest cultural environment to such an extent that ecclesiastical authorities did not allow the consecration of the chapel for many years due to its unusual shape and the Portinari panel depicting a dog representing a wolf alongside Saint Francis of Assisi; the church remained prohibited for worship for 14 years. Its interior houses the Stations of the Cross, consisting of fourteen panels by Cândido Portinari, considered one of his most significant works. The external panels are by Cândido Portinari – figurative panel and Paulo Werneck – abstract panel. The gardens are designed by Burle Marx. Alfredo Ceschiatti sculpted the bronze bas-reliefs of the baptistery. The Pampulha church is one of the most well-known “postcards” of Belo Horizonte.