Description of the attraction
São Miguel das Misois is an ancient ruin located in the Brazilian province of Rio Grande do Sul. Translated from Portuguese, the name means "Mission of St. Michael". The ruins of San Miguel das Misois are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the middle of the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries founded the mission of San Miguel das Misoins, intending to use it to convert the Guaraní Indians to Christianity. The mission was founded near the Itayaseko Indian settlement. Later, the mission was moved to its current location.
The Mission at that time was inhabited by about 4,000 Indians who converted to Christianity. In 1735, the construction of a baroque church began.
In 1750, Portugal transferred this territory to Spain. The Jesuits were ordered to leave the mission. After they refused to do so, the forces of the Spanish army were used against them. Later, Spanish troops captured all the lands of San Miguel das Misoins.
In 1929, a replica of the mission's cathedral was built in the town of Santo Angelu, near San Miguel das Misoins.
The mission museum was opened in 1940. In the museum, you can see a large number of wood sculptures depicting saints. They were carved by Jesuits and Indians. Some of the sculptures are 2 meters high.
Currently, San Miguel das Misoins is a famous landmark in Brazil. Guided tours of the mission ruins are organized for tourists.
