The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Penha of France is one of the most important religious sanctuaries in the country. Its history dates back to 1635, when Captain Baltazar de Abreu Cardoso, who owned the area surrounding the current sanctuary, was bitten by a snake while climbing the hill to inspect his plantations. He asked Our Lady for help and, after escaping with his life, built a small chapel in her honor at the top of the hill. Since then, the site has been a center of pilgrimage and devotion.
Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a city with a basilica situated on a hill. On the left side, we see several houses and buildings scattered across the plain. In the center, there is a more densely populated area with buildings close to one another. On the right, the basilica is positioned atop the hill, standing out for its distinctive architecture. The background features a range of mountains covered in vegetation.Penha Church, 1900-1910. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Collection. Brasiliana Fotográfica
Until the early 19th century, devotees had to climb the rock to visit the chapel. In 1817, as they were making their way up the rock, a couple made a pledge that they would carve steps into the cliff if they were able to have a child. And so they did. They funded the construction, which was carried out by enslaved workers, and access to the church became easier.
Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph. The image shows a large staircase with many people walking toward a religious building located atop a hill. On the left, there is an open area with an iron fence. On the right, there is a small structure with a large tree behind it. In the background, the main building has two tall towers and ornamental architectural details.Penha Church during the festival. Marc Ferrez, 1912. Gilberto Ferrez Collection. Brasiliana Fotográfica.
The 382 steps have taken on a symbolic significance for devotees, who climb the many steps as an act of penance, devotion, and gratitude for blessings received. This tradition of climbing the steps, sometimes on their knees, has strengthened the symbolism of sacrifice and faith that defines the relationship between worshippers and the sanctuary and attracts pilgrims from all over Brazil. The steps and the climb to the top are steeped in stories of faith which further enrich devotion to the site. Today, the sanctuary also features a cable car service, making the ascent easier for visitors and improving accessibility.
Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of people walking on stairs. On the left side, we see women walking with their backs to the camera, some carrying bags. On the right, a man is sitting on the stairs, looking down. In the background, there are more people going up and down the stairs. In the distance, we see a building with columns and hanging flags.Monzart. Penha Festival, 30 September 1972. Correio da Manhã Collection. National Archive.
The original chapel evolved with successive expansions that were made to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. Construction of the current basilica, in neo-Gothic style, began in 1900 and was completed in 1925. The church's architecture is characterized by its tall towers and pointed arch windows — emphasizing its monumental and sacred nature — and it stands out impressively in the urban landscape and can be seen from various points across the city.
Image description: This is a photograph of the Basílica da Penha, located in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The image shows the main facade of the basilica, with two large side towers and a central portal adorned with ornamental details. On the left and right, we see colorful flags hoisted along the wall. In the background, the clear blue sky contrasts with the white structure of the basilica.Foto: Reprodução Canção Nova
The importance of the Church of Penha is not solely religious. It also represents the culture and history of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Over the years, the sanctuary has become a melting pot where faith, popular culture, and Carioca traditions blend together. The famous Penha Festival, celebrated annually in October, draws thousands of people to one of the oldest and most important popular celebrations in the city. The festival combines elements of culture, music, food, and street vendors, attracting both worshippers and tourists alike.
It was at the Penha Festival that prominent samba artists such as Pixinguinha, Heitor dos Prazeres, Donga, and Noel Rosa tested the compositions that would set the tone for the following year's Carnival. The festival was not only a stage for showcasing their work but also a source of inspiration for artists like Cartola and many others:
Uma camisa e um terno usado Alguém me empresta Hoje é domingo E eu preciso ir à festa Não brincarei Quero fazer minha oração Pedir à santa padroeira proteção Entre os amigos Encontrarei algum que tenha Hoje é domingo Eu preciso ir à Penha Levarei dinheiro pra comprar Velas de cera Quero levar flores Para a santa padroeira Só não subirei A escadaria ajoelhado Pra não estragar O terno que peguei emprestado
Cartola – Penha Festival
Image description: This is a photograph of an outdoor event. On the left, there is a person standing on a wooden stage, holding a microphone. Behind them, there are metal structures and green plants. In the background, there are tall trees and a white building with blue windows. On the right, there is a large blue tent with several people gathered under it. In the upper right, there is a church tower with domes.Penha Festival, 2023. Reproduction from the official site of the Our Lady of Penha Basilica
In 2016, Pope Francis granted the church the title of Minor Basilica, recognizing its importance to the Catholic faith in Brazil. This title is awarded to churches of great historical, cultural, and spiritual significance, further cementing the church's status as one of the country's most important religious landmarks. The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Penha of France remains a symbol of faith and the city's history, serving as a place of devotion, memory, and identity for generations of Cariocas.
Image description: This is a black and white photograph of a basilica. On the left side, we see trees and a signpost. In the center, there is a large building with Gothic architecture, including a bell tower and ornamental details. In front of the basilica, there is a white fence separating the public from the building. People are gathered near the basilica, some standing and others sitting.Monzart. Penha Festival, 30 September 1972. Correio da Manhã Collection. National Archive.
Image description: The image shows three logos arranged horizontally, from left to right. The first logo, on the left, is blue and white with the text "RIO CAPITAL DO G20 BRASIL 2024" and a colorful symbol. In the center, there is a blue logo with the text "RIO PREFEITURA TURISMO". On the right, an orange logo with the text "RIO MEMÓRIAS". All letters are uppercase and the background is white.
