MOSTEIRO DE SÃO BENTO
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World Heritage Monastery, with 227 kg silver chandeliers and an ancient German organ dating from 1773
From its façade, you can tell that it was a religious building built not only as a place of worship, but also for the defense of the territory. The Abbey of São Bento (St. Benedict) is first and foremost a fortress church as they were built in colonial times; its white facade with cannon-shaped gargoyles and turrets perched with cannonballs clearly express this defensive and military dimension.
After the original solid wood entrance doors, visitors are plunged straight into the history of a time when gold was so plentiful that it was used to cover church walls and sculptures. This Baroque style is by far the most exuberant architecture. All the walls are covered with stucco in the shape of palm leaves painted in fine gold, and all the cherubs, very expressive, watch over the Virgin of Montserrat, patron saint of the monastery and its saints. He is also depicted carrying a chalice with a snake and a raven with bread in its beak, which is supposed to represent the temptation he resisted. As you pass the porch above your head, you'll notice the mermaids supporting the balcony, which houses an old German organ dating from 1773. The silver chandeliers, each weighing 227 kg, are testimony to the wealth of this monastery, a World Heritage Site.
Not to be missed, even if you're not used to it, is Sunday mass from 10 a.m. with Gregorian chants by the Benedictine brothers.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
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