It is located approximately 39 kilometres (24 mi) from the state capital of Aracaju at the border of the municipalities of Riachuelo and Malhador.

[1][2][3][4] The chapel is the sole remaining structure of the Nossa Senhora da Penha Sugar Plantation.

Plantations were built along the Cotinguiba and Sergipe rivers and African slaves were brought to the state via Bahia.

A deed dated 1780 indicated that the plantation belonged to Ventura Rabelo Leite de Sampaio; he ordered the construction of a chapel on the property in 1795.

It is framed by two towers, corresponding to the interior aisles, and each topped by a decorative dome and crowned by bulbous pinnacles.

Carved and gilded woodwork typical of the Northeast covered the high and side altars, pulpits, and tribunes.