File number: brjh0005

© South American Pictures/ Tony Morrison

Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul state: During the 17th and 18th centuries Jesuit missionaries built missions in the region where the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. Guarani Indians were housed in the missions and taught crafts and farming. In 1767 the Jesuits were expelled from South America and many missions were destroyed but São Miguel das Missoes built in 1687 in Rio Grande do Sul survived. The church was designed by Giovanni Baptista Prímoli and is a fine example of Guarani baroque architecture.