Considered the country with the largest number of catholics in the world, Brazil has a huge number of catholic churches built in different periods in several architectural styles and ran by different religious orders.
The city of São Paulo is no exception and has relevant churches located all over the city, that are attended by its multicultural population.
Se Cathedral, located at old downtown
Although it seems to be older, the Metropolitan Cathedral was inaugurated just in 1954 for the 4th centennary of the foundation of São Paulo. It is located in the center of the city at Sé square.
The construction took more than 40 years and it was projected by the German architect Maximilian Hell. With a mix of architectural styles that goes from the neo-gothic to the Renaisssance influence, the cathedral replaced the former one in colonial style.
All the marble used in the construction as well as the mosaics, sculptures and furniture were brought from Italy. It also worths to admire the magnificent colouful stained glasses made by renowned European artists, like the French Max Ingrand.
Beneath the high altar, a large cript keeps tombs of prominent figures of the Brazilian history and of all bishops and archbishops of São Paulo.
Church of the Third Order of Carmo
Church of the Third Order of Carmo - interior - photo by Percival Tirapeli
Very close to the cathedral. the modest church of the third order of Carmo was built by a group of lay people, descendants of the pioneers of the city, in the seventeenth century.
It is considered an important historical and religious heritage as it holds a significant set of colonial art from São Paulo. The high altar in wood and the paintings in the ceiling are examples of baroque art work.
It still keeps the original walls that have been constructed with the technique known as "taipa de pilão", introduced by the Portuguese.
Monastery of the benedictines, located at old downtown - photo by Eliana Souza
The main entrance of the church of the benedictines - photo by Eliana Souza
Church of the benedictine monastery - interior - photo by the monastery
Church of the benedictine monastery - interior - photo by the monastery
Room prepared for the brunch at the benedictine monastery - photo by the monastery
An icon of the city, the monastery of the benedictines was rebuilt when São Paulo received the German priest D. Miguel Kruse in the beginning of the twentieth century. He was responsible by the revitalization of the religious order after its decline at the end of the former century. Under his supervision the complex of church and monastery was redesigned and regained its position of historical importance.
After the demolition of the old colonial church built in the sixteenth century, a new construction was made following the Beuron art school trends, that mixes Egyptian, Bizantine, Romanesque and Celtic Arts. The result is a magnificent interior with work of art from important European artisans and artists like the Dutch monk Adelbert Gressnicht. The discreet facade boasts a huge clock coming from Germany that was famous for its accuracy. Another attraction is the organ, manufactured by the Spat family company.
For decades the monastery has also housed a conservative school, just for boys, where children of traditional Brazilian families of São Paulo have been educated.
In 2007 it called attention national and internationally, when it hosted Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Brazil.
Several people come often to listen to the Gregorian chants perfomed during the Sunday mass by the monks, who live and work at the monastery. Nowadays there is a special tasty brunch offered to the visitors twice a month after the mass, that should be booked and paid in advance.
Saint Anthony´s church - photo by Dornicke (wkipedia)
Side altar in Saint Anthony´s church - photo by Percival Tirapeli
The Saint Anthony´s church is considered the oldest one remaining in the city. Although its foundation date is uncertain, according to historical documents the church was built in the sixteenth century when the Portuguese catholic missionaries arrived in São Paulo.
Located in the square of the patriarch, old downtown, the modest church was renovated in 2005. Its interior still keeps preserved altar pieces and art works from the colonial period with paintings dating from the seventeenth century and elaborated baroque carvings.
Saint Anthony is one of the favourite saints of the Brazilian community, particularly among the women.
Like in other countries of the world, he is considered the only saint who can help single ladies to find the true love. There are several popular rituals that involve him such as keeping the saint upside down till the grace is reached.
Saint Francis of Assis church and convent - photo by Eliana Souza
Saint Francis church - side altar - photo by Percival Tirapeli
Law University of São Paulo - photo of public domain
The humble convent and Saint Francis church is one of the best preserved colonial structures in the city.
Located in the west side of the cathedral, it stays next to the Law University, considered one of the most important educational institutions in the country, where distinguished poets, writers, artists,and politicians have graduated.
The construction from the seventeenth an eighteenth centuries still keeps the original thick walls made with the technique named "taipa de pilão", introduced by the Portuguese.
Next to this church there is another one named Wounds of Seraphic Father Saint Francis, which is still in restauration process. It was originally a chapel built in the seventeenth century. It is a classic example of baroque art and architecture with gold-plated panelings and the largest set of paintings in rococo style made by the important painter José Patricio da Silva Manso.
Sacred Art Museum - entrance
Sacred Art Museum and Luz convent
The Luz monastery is a masterpiece built in the eighteenth century by Friar Galvão, an artist, architect and constructor, known as the protector of the architects and the workers of constructions in Brazil. He was canonized as the first Brazilian saint by the prior Pope in 2007.
Considering its relevant architecture the monastery has been declared UNESCO Human Heritage.
The building is located close to the Luz Railway Station in Luz neighborhood and also is home of the conceptionist nuns, who live in a cloister until today. They are responsible for making the famous miracle pills of Friar Galvão, considered a holly medicine. Usually the nuns distribute the packets containing three pills to be taken within a nine-day period. The pills are tiny rice papers with a prayer and should be ingested by those in need.
The building is located close to the Luz Railway Station in Luz neighborhood and also is home of the conceptionist nuns, who live in a cloister until today. They are responsible for making the famous miracle pills of Friar Galvão, considered a holly medicine. Usually the nuns distribute the packets containing three pills to be taken within a nine-day period. The pills are tiny rice papers with a prayer and should be ingested by those in need.
The Sacred Art museum is also located here and it is a fantastic opportunity to understand the decisive Portuguese influence and the history of catholicism in Brazil.
Relevant Brazilian artists like Aleijadinho and Priest Jesuíno do Monte Carmlo, who represent the best of the national baroque art, are part of its prominent collection, considered the largest of the country.
In the middle of baroque art works, religious silverware and altar pieces, the chandelier collection is one of the highlights for being the second largest in the world, just after the one that belongs to the Vatican museums.
Next to the building the visitor can admire the Nativity Museum that houses several nativity scenes designed by artists from different regions of Brazil. The Naepolitan nativity scene from the eighteenth century, with more than 1500 pieces brought by the influential Brazilian mecenas Francisco Matarazzo Sobrinho, was assembled in a special room, which is a must.
