The astonishing curves of the Igreja São Francisco de Assis (1943) are to be found south of the Pampulha Lake. Apparently it was the sight of women lying on the beach that inspired its designer, Oscar Niemeyer, which presumably explains why the Church refused to take an interest in it for such a long time! With its three concrete arches, its azulejos and its view over the lake, it instills in all who visit a sense of peace, purity and tranquility.