Well worth the visit. Beautiful ceremonies. A very ancient church filled with wonderful decoration. We went twice. At the moment it is being repaired and scaffolding obstructs the rear part of the church.
The interior of the church was under construction, but one was still able to get a sense of the magnificence of it. The exterior is stunning in it's simplicity. Definitely worth a visit.
The mosteiro is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Rio de Janeiro. Built in pure brazilian barroco stile, full of small engraved angels. Although the building is white on the outside, it is very dark inside and the walls very thick as was also used to protect the population in case of attack. Downside? The walk uphill.
This is the most famous place in Brazil to listem Gregorian Music, as the Monks had songed for ever since ancient time. The cultivate all the great songs of Gregorian Classics of Catholic Churc as a treasure. The younger monks are teached by the olders, and so, the tradition remains since XVI Century in the most Beautiful Chappel of Rio, in Saint Benedict Monastery ( Mosteiro de São Bento ), located downtown, just in front of the Piers of Rio de Janeiro. Only in Saturdays at 12:00 hs you can appreciate the mess with this explendorous Choir of monks, who sometimes goes to be re-performed and re-avaluated um Covents in France and England. Just Heaven in Paradise. Only once a week, on Saturdays, and pre-scheduled. Very hard, but very heavenly.
You cant left brazil without a picture of you an this monument!!!!!! Is just a one time experience!! i enjoy it !!!!!!
YOu can tell that is a beautiful Church, unfortunately when we visited the Church was being remodeled, I hope it does not take too long, otherwise you will miss a lot in your visit.
Was told that the Gregorian mass at Sao Bentois a must. Great baroque architecture, gilt to feast your eyes, just a pity the place is under recunstruction
if you like culture , this a fantastic place , at sundays ( you need to know the hour ) these fathers ( Beneditinos ) celebrate the Missa in Latin , you will find our biggest ÓRGÃO in Brasil !
Its currently being restored, but you can still walk around inside and get an idea of how stunning it once was and we will be again when they're done.Still worth a visit. We took a subway to town and walked there.
Probably the best example of colonial/Baroque architecture in Rio de Janeiro, the monastery, situated on top of a hill near Praça Mauá, should not be missed. A oasis of tranquility in busy downtown Rio, the church interior is richly decorated in gold. Mass on Sunday is celebrated with Gregorian chant and organ music.