Tourist dies when church roof collapses
Salvador - It is an important and magnificent building in which 800 kilograms of gold were once used. But the roof and walls of the Brazilian Sao Francisco church are in a desolate state. Now there has been a fatal accident.
Published on 06.02.2025 at 11:19 –A tourist died when the roof of the Sao Francisco church in the north-east Brazilian city of Salvador collapsed on Wednesday (local time). Five people were injured, as reported by Brazilian media. The Franciscan church, whose construction began in 1686, is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Because of its gilded carvings, the church is known in Brazil as the "Church of Gold". A total of around 800 kilograms of gold are said to have been used in the decoration. The church is considered a particularly splendid example of the Brazilian Baroque style. Adjacent to the building is a convent that was built by Franciscans from 1585.
Although the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also classified as a protected monument by the Brazilian government, it is in poor condition. In 2023, it was closed for a few months and poorly restored for the equivalent of 200,000 euros. On Wednesday, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva promised help with the restoration of the damaged building. The now collapsed ceiling was painted with scenes from the life of Mary and large stars. (KNA)