Originally constructed in 1630 as a hospital, and subsequently burnt down by the Dutch colonists in 1631. Following the expulsion of the Dutch in 1654, reconstruction commenced in 1655 and lasted a number of years. This church was the used for hearings during the Inquisition period in Brazil, which resulted in a number of non-believers being extradited to Portugal for trial and sentencing, often resulting in being burned alive at the stake. The Foundation commissioned a Master Plan for the recostruction of the roof, suffering badly from termite attack and the restoration of the church, which has been badly damage by water ingress. The Foundation Plan received the approval of IPHAN in March 2009, and work will start in 2009.