Mystery shrouds Ilha do Bom Jesus da Coluna. This small island, now part of Ilha do Fundão, holds centuries of stories. Originally called Ilha da Caqueirada, it was gifted to Franciscan missionaries in 1704. The Franciscans promptly renamed it Ilha dos Frades. Construction began on the Igreja do Bom Jesus da Coluna and a hospice in 1705. The church’s full name, Igreja do Bom Jesus da Coluna, reflects its island origins. By 1710, the hospice and church were complete. The complex later expanded to include a convent and study center. Ilha do Bom Jesus da Coluna thrived during the reign of Dom João VI. He frequently attended the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi at the church. This royal favor elevated the island’s status. However, this prominence faded after the royal family’s return to Portugal. The convent and church fell into decline. Between 1823 and 1850, the convent served a grimmer purpose. It became a quarantine zone for those afflicted with diseases like leprosy, cholera, and various fevers. Later, in 1868, the buildings transformed into the Asilo dos Inválidos da Pátria. This asylum housed veterans of the Paraguayan War. The convent eventually crumbled, leaving only the Igreja do Bom Jesus da Coluna standing. The church retains its original Franciscan style. This includes a single nave, deep chancel, and a galilee. Today, the Ilha do Bom Jesus da Coluna and its church stand as a testament to a complex past. It served as a place of worship, a center of learning, and a refuge for the sick and injured. This quiet corner of Rio de Janeiro holds a rich tapestry of history, waiting to be explored.
General Osório Statue
Here stands General Osório. He is not just any statue. The General Osório Statue embodies Brazil’s intricate relationship with its