MosteirodeSãoBento

One of the most amazing cultural experiences in Rio is attending a Mass with Gregorian Chants at the Mosteiro de São Bento. This happens every Sunday at 10 a.m., a centuries-old tradition interrupted only by the current pandemic.

The Monastery was founded by 2 Benedictine monks, who came from Bahia, in 1590. It was initially an Abbey, and construction of the Church, in Baroque style, only began in 1633. The current architectural complex encompasses the Church, the Monastery, the School, the College, a bookshop and the Casa de Emaús (a guesthouse).

Image description: This is a black-and-white painting depicting a coastal city. On the left side, we see a series of buildings arranged on a hill, with a fort in front. On the right, there is a large fortress with several towers and a flagpole. In the central area, there is a structure that appears to be a palace or a government complex. On the horizon, we see mountains covered with vegetation. In the foreground, two ships are sailing near the coast.

Completed almost 100 years later, the Igreja Abacial is one of the most beautiful churches in Rio and one of the leading monuments of Luso-Brazilian baroque. The façade is very simple, contrasting with the richness of the interior, adorned with sculptures and gold-leafed wood carving. The main altar features at its center the image of Nossa Senhora do Monserrate, and along the nave are 8 side chapels. On the ceiling are paintings that tell the story of São Bento. On the 2nd floor, restricted to the monks, stands the precious organ dating from 1773, played by only 2 monk organists.

In 1858, Colégio São Bento was founded, and it educated many notable figures, including Coelho Neto, Benjamin Constant, Procópio Ferreira, Pixinguinha, Noel Rosa, Villa-Lobos, Cazuza, and Hélio de la Peña. It remains one of the few institutions in Rio that only accept boys, and until 1960, all of its teachers were men. Even so, it is one of the best schools in Brazil.

Image description: This is a black-and-white print. The image shows a panoramic view of an old port. On the left side, there are buildings with sloped roofs and regularly spaced windows. A large church with domes is located atop the structures. In the center, the river is full of boats of different sizes. On the right, more boats are docked near smaller buildings. In the background, there is a hill covered with vegetation. In the lower part of the image, three people are seated in the foreground, looking toward the river.

In 1921, another activity was added, with the founding of the Faculdade de São Bento (Philosophy and Theology Courses).

The life of the Mosteiro de São Bento was not as calm and monastic as the one its monks lead nowadays. In 1711, it was bombarded during the French invasion, and 20 years later, the main building was destroyed by a fire. It survived these attacks and others, such as the destructive fury of reformist mayors Pereira Passos, Prado Junior, Carlos Sampaio, and Carlos Lacerda.

Image description: This is a photograph of a church interior, possibly the Mosteiro de São Bento. The image shows a wide view of the main altar, with elaborate ornamental details in wood and gold. On the left side, we see a pulpit with an open book on it. In front, there is a table decorated with geometric patterns. In the center, the altar is adorned with statues and a red curtain. On the right, there is another pulpit with a person seated. The floor is covered with tiles in a black and white checkered pattern.

Image description: This is a photograph of a monastery, Mosteiro de São Bento. The image shows a bright facade well lit by the sun. On the left side, there is a building with a red roof and green windows. In the center, the main building has three arched doors, with rectangular windows above them. On the right, there are two towers with bells and crosses on top. The sky is light blue, and green trees are in the background.

Have you ever been there? Tell us your impressions!