Sao Paulo is an important religious center in Brazil. There are many beautiful churches and cathedrals built in a traditional, old colonial style. Most of them are Catholic-affiliated, but you will also find a few Orthodox. The following self-guided walking tour will lead you through these sacred places.
1) Armenian Orthodox Church Sao Jorge
Armenian Orthodox Church Sao Jorge is a church established in Sao Paulo by Armenian immigrants. This nation experienced dispare during the Armenian genocide by Turkish. The origin of the Armenian church dates back to the Apostolic age and had transformed from Christian-based to Catholic-based religion.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and echiner1
2) Church of Our Lady of Help
The Church of Our Lady of Help (Igreja Nossa Senhora Auxiliadoro) is another beautiful Catholic church in Sao Paulo. There is a small park with beautiful Brazil monuments in front and it features Italian edifices of historical importance.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and kevindooley
3) Church of St. Ifigenia
The official name of Church of St. Ifigenia is Basilica of Our Lady of Conception and St. Iphigenia. Its chapel was built before 1720 and the church is designed more in Neo-Romanesque-Gothic architectural style than the typical old colonial style of other churches in the area. The church belongs to Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
4) The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men
Africans have been a part of Brazilian culture since the 16th century when they were brought to the country as slaves to work on the many plantations. In addition, African culture has merged seamlessly with the Catholic religion, the European culture, and is an integral part of the fiber of Brazil.
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men, also known as Largo Paicandu Church, demonstrates this admixture. Located on the R. das Portas do Carmo, construction of the house of worship was completed in 1820. The church was needed because black slaves were denied entry into European churches. The place of worship is decorated with the images of black saints. Two famous saints you will see when you visit are Saint Anthony of Catigerona, an African, and Saint Benedict, a Moor.
What is impressive about this majestic blue structure is that the slaves built it themselves and provided their own materials. Construction of the church began in 1704 and took over 100 years to complete. The design of the church is Baroque. There are three altars, one of which has gold engraving. The building is a beautiful example of 17th century design. It is worth a visit just to see the Tuesday Mass at 6 pm that features African drumming and Yoruba ceremonies.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Dornicke
5) São Bento Monastery
When visiting Sao Paulo, one must make an effort to visit the São Bento Monastery. This monastery features delicious pastries personally baked by the monks. In addition, they offer musical concerts and events, workshops, and perform Gregorian chants at mass daily. The architect was Richard Blend. The interior of the place of worship was designed by D. Adelbert Gresnicht. It is the oldest institution in Sao Paulo.
Although the exterior of the building is fairly simple, the interior of the church is beautifully decorated with woodwork, sculptures, and paintings. A clear German influence can be seen inside of the building. There are no words that can accurately describe just how stunning the cathedral is. One must visit in person to truly understand.
A brunch is held on last Sunday of each month. It is at this feast where the delicious pastries and breads are served, along with a tasty meal. The pastries are very popular with the public. Patrons have the option, while dining, to purchase works of art.
The monastery is conveniently located on 25 de Marco Street, a very popular shopping area and is close to the São Bento subway station. Visitors will also enjoy the monastery shop, where more pastries can be bought, the nearby Bar Salve Jorge, and the Café Girondion.
The world-famous Gregorian chants happen Monday through Friday at 7am, Saturday at 6 am, and Sunday at 10 am. The monastery shop is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 7:30 am to 12 pm, and Sunday after 10 am.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Jurema Oliveira
6) Church of St Anthony
Church of St Anthony, built in the 16th century, is one of the oldest churches of Sao Paulo. It is set in the downtown area of the city and is home to precious works of art of the old colonial period. Its altar showcases traditional Baroque style architecture.
7) Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral, often called the Catedral da Se, is home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sao Paulo. The current Archbishop is His Eminence, Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer. The building features a Neo-Gothic style and stained glass windows. Construction began on the cathedral in 1913 and completed in 1967. The designer was German architect Emil Hehl.
The cathedral is the largest place of worship in Brazil and one of the largest Gothic style churches in the world. It has one of the largest organs in South America and several artistic renditions of the Virgin Mary. Many bishops and archbishops are buried in the tombs. Two of the most important crypts are the vault of Father Diogo Antônio Feijó and the Chieftan Tibirica. Tibirica helped to welcome the first Jesuits to the Piratininga Plateau and to found the villa of Sao Paulo. Father Feijó was head of state during the infancy of Emperor Pedro.
The current structure is the third version of the cathedral. The first church was in service from 1598 to 1616 until it was demolished for a new building. The second building was in use from 1764 to 1911, and the third place of worship was constructed in 1913. It is 111 meters long and has a seating capacity of 8,000. In 2000, an extensive renovation occurred and was completed in 2002.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Morio