Mosteirinho de São Francisco in Paudalho, Brazil: Building Typology Adaptation in Colonial Architecture

Abstract

[EN] The Mosteirinho de São Francisco, in the city of Paudalho (Brazil), is a unique example of Franciscan religious architecture that reflects a very specific historical context of the area. It was built during the period of Dutch domination of Northeastern Brazil (1630-1654), characterized by territorial disputes and religious persecution between Dutch (Protestants) and Portuguese (Catholics). Designed in this emergency context, the building was conceived with a simple and compact layout, adapting the typology and spaces of a Franciscan convent to the site and specific circumstances. An example of this is the addition of two connected aisles to the nave, providing an architectural promenade around this main space: a modest but ingenious adaptation of the cloister concept. Nowadays the building is completely abandoned, in an advanced state of decay and in a judicial process regarding its property. Even its heritage protection is at risk. This paper presents the results of an architectural research about this building with the aim of claiming the importance of its preservation.