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, one can guess that it was a religious building built not only as a place of worship but also for the defense of its territory. The São Bento Abbey is above all a fortress church as they were built in the colonial era; its white facade with gargoyles in the shape of cannons and its turrets with cannonballs show this dimension.
After the original solid wood entrance doors, the visitor is plunged directly into the history of a time when gold was harvested in such quantity that it was covered the walls of the churches. This baroque style is by far the most exuberant architecture. All the walls are covered with stucco in the form 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. St. Benedict was a martyr, burned on a red-hot grill. 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 notice the mermaids supporting the balcony where an old German organ from 1773 is located. The silver chandeliers weigh 227 kg each and are a testament to the wealth of this monastery, a World Heritage Site.
Not to be missed, even if you are not used to it, is the Sunday mass from 10 am with the Gregorian chants of the Benedictine brothers.
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