MAIN CHURCH OF SAINT SEBASTIAN

The MAIN CHURCH OF SAINT SEBASTIAN, located in the center of Pirapora, was inaugurated on March 10, 1918. Its construction was led by the Dutch Franciscan friar Leopoldo Van Winckel, with support from a community committee chaired by Joaquim Rodrigues Santiago. The building followed the design created by Friar Norberto Beaufort of the Santo Antônio College in São João Del Rei, Minas Gerais.

The church is a significant architectural heritage from the first decade of the municipality’s political-administrative emancipation. It also symbolizes decades of the Franciscans’ presence and significant contributions in Pirapora and the surrounding region. Surrounding the church is the “José Joaquim Fernandes Ramos” Square, also known as Coronel Ramos. The traditional festival in honor of the city’s patron saint, Saint Sebastian, is held on January 20th.