The interior has seven side chapels which illustrate the Stations of the Cross; each has a polychrome sculpture made by the artist Aleijadinho (b.

Mendes made a promise to the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos after he recovered from a grave illness in 1757.

It was believed that prayers uttered in front of the sculpture have a good chance of being answered, and it became a famous pilgrimage site with to which people travelled to ask Jesus for help and assistance.

[4] The plan of the church follows the Portuguese colonial baroque model, and is described as "the largest and most notable architectural and artistic ensemble in the country" by Maria Elisa Carrazzoni.

[5][3] The interior is richly decorated in the Rococo style, consisting of gilded carvings on the altars, statuary, and paintings on the ceilings and walls.

The painting of the chancel ceiling was carried out between 1773 and 1774 by Bernardo Pires da Silva; it depicts the burial of Jesus.

This is an offering room where devotees donate objects to say thanks for the blessings that they received through Bom Jesus's intercession.