Igreja Santa Cruz das Almas dos Enforcados (Church of The Holy Cross of the Souls of the Hanged), Sao Paulo

This church was built on the site of an old cross that honored an executed soldier, Francisco José das Chagas. Francisco José das Chagas was accused of being part of a revolt against the battalion commanders, seeking lost wages. Wages due to soldiers were often unpaid for months and years. He was condemned and executed on September 20, 1821. During the execution, the gallows rope broke twice, and the authorities completed the execution by beating Francisco José das Chagas to death.

The locals who watched the execution begged for mercy, which was not given. The twice-broken gallows rope seemed to speak of a divine sign of das Chagas's innocence. Local Catholics installed the cross as a tribute to das Chagas.

In 1887, the Holy Cross of the Hanging Church was built. The church was renovated in 1958, and the tower was added. The interior features an ornately painted nave, gilded accents, and a stunning chandelier.