St. Benedict Monastery in Rio de Janeiro

The Monastery of St. Benedict or the Abbey of Our Lady Montserrat stands in the center of Rio de Janeiro on the Morro de Sau Bentu Hill, from where it got its name. The construction was built in the traditional colonial style of the late Renaissance. Every year he is visited by numerous tourists.

Monastery History

Initially, the monks lived in a cheap inn. Near him was the chapel of Our Lady. Later, the monks began to consider the virgin Mary and St. Benedict as the patrons of the monastery. In 1590. Manuel de Brito, along with his son Diogo de Brito de Lacerda, donated a piece of land in the center of Rio de Janeiro for the construction of the monastery. The project was made by a military engineer from Portugal F. F. de Mesquita. He chose the popular style of manierism in his country.

The monastery began in 1633. The monks built on the income that the sugar cane plantations and donations brought them. The most difficult work was done by slaves from Africa. Due to a change in the initial project, the building was built only in 1755, instead of the planned 1671. Today it is a functioning monastery, services are held in the church. In 1858, the Sao Bento College opened at the abbey. Today it has a good reputation and is recognized as an important institution of traditional education. According to theology and philosophy, undergoes training in seminary. The abbey conducts scientific church-historical research.

Architecture

The church facade looks pretty ascetic. Three arches are installed at the entrance. Above – traditional triangular pediment. Cone-shaped spiers rise above two towers standing on the sides. The bells are fixed in the tower. The door portal is decorated with mosaics, and metal gates of the XIX century lead to the monastery. In addition to the main one, another 7 chapels are installed in the monastery. Each of them has a unique design.

Interior

The interior is impressive for the luxury and brilliance of leaf gold. First, the monk F. was engaged in interior design. Domingos de Conceisau. He decorated part of the hall, the main chapel and the altar. His hand belongs to the sculpture of St. Escolastics, St. Benedict and Our Lady Montserrat, mounted in the altar. In 1714, craftsmen began to decorate most of the nefa and completed some of the images. This is A. M. Pereira, Simau de Cunha, Jose de Conceisau and Silva. In 1789-1800 the famous Brazilian sculptor, working in the Rococo style, I. worked on the interior. F. A pint. He rebuilt the altar, leaving certain elements and canvases of the monk F. unchanged. Ricardo de Pilara.

In the sacristy of the monastery is an invaluable canvas of F. Ricardo with the image of the Lord Strastoterpets. The floor in the altar of the church is lined with beautiful marble. The altar itself is decorated with 14 paintings F. Ricardo de Pilara, made with oil. The church has an organ of 1773, the walls are decorated with fine carvings.

Unfortunately, tourist visits to the monastery of St. Benedict are limited, and shooting is prohibited.