Igreja e Convento de Santo Antônio (Recife)

This Franciscan complex in central Recife encloses the celebrated Golden Chapel, one of the finest examples of baroque gilt work in Brazil. Built in the early eighteenth century, the small chapel is entirely covered in carved wood sheathed in gold leaf, with painted panels depicting the life of Saint Francis. The wider convent includes a church, cloister and a museum of sacred art. Its dazzling interior draws visitors to the historic Santo Antônio district, close to the bridges and old streets that link Recife's islands and waterways.