• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-272292029683
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "points-of-interest/matriz-ns-do-pilar/470218",
      "destination": "Minas-Gerais",
      "title": "minas-gerais",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Minas-Gerais",
      "continent": "South-America",
      "country": "Brazil",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Matriz NS do Pilar

On the southwestern side of town, this is Brazil's second most opulent church (after Salvador’s São Francisco). It has 434kg of gold and silver and is one of the country's finest showcases of artwork. Note the wild-bird chandelier holders, the scrolled church doors and the hair on Jesus (the real stuff, donated by a penitent worshipper).

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-768059695277
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "points-of-interest/matriz-ns-do-pilar/470218",
      "destination": "Minas-Gerais",
      "title": "minas-gerais",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Minas-Gerais",
      "continent": "South-America",
      "country": "Brazil",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Must-see attractions

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-651380945158
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "points-of-interest/matriz-ns-do-pilar/470218",
      "destination": "Minas-Gerais",
      "title": "minas-gerais",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Minas-Gerais",
      "continent": "South-America",
      "country": "Brazil",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }