Igreja e Convento da Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Recife
Is one of the most well preserved religious monuments in the northeast of Brazil.
The church and convent was built in the 16th century, but abandoned during the period of Dutch rule. For centuries the convent served as a shelter for abandoned women.
In the building the original altar is gone, but the walls and ceiling still exhibit magnificent paintings of Our Lady, with details in polychromatic gold. In the sacristy there is a Portuguese stone facade, decorated with dolphins, being an authentic relic.
The place is a reminder of how Brazilian people in Recife rose against colonialism. Some paintings describe the Guararapes Battle against the invading Dutch. The roof of of the church has important medallions and paintings of the Virgin Mary, among which the famous vision of 'Our Lady of the Milk'.
Currently it is home to the Irmãs Dorotéas (Sisters of Dorothy), the most reclusive Order in Olinda, who have no contact with the outside world.
The church is open for visitation, but visits must be arranged.
