Church and Monastery of Our Lady of Monte Serrat are historical landmarks in Salvador

The Church and Monastery of Our Lady of Monte Serrat serve as religious and architectural landmarks in Salvador, Bahia. Built between 1580 and 1585, the buildings occupy a high point near the sea known as Ponta de Humaitá. This location was historically strategic for the defense of the city founded by Thomé de Sousa.

The history of the site involves the Garcia d’Ávila family. According to the book Basílicas & Capelinhas by Biaggio Talento and Helenita Holanda, Father Simão de Vasconcelos reported that the family requested the construction of a small chapel to commemorate a miracle attributed to Father José de Anchieta in 1580.

Historians hold differing views regarding the origin of the chapel and its donation to monks. Some accounts state the chapel was blessed in 1609, while others suggest the building was donated by Dom Francisco de Sousa in 1658. The temple has historically been a religious reference for sailors and fishermen in the Recôncavo Baiano, with particular devotion to Our Lady of Monte Serrat and Our Lord Bom Jesus de Bouças.