Benedictine Monastery in São Paulo

The history of the Benedictine Order in São Paulo mingles with the history of the city itself during the colonial times. The first benedictine monk came to São Paulo in 1598, and back in 1600 the first monastery was founded. The monks settled the land where the village of cacique Tibiriçá was located, which was granted to them by the city authorities. Tibiriçá was an indigenous chieftain who controlled the region of Piratininga, where SãoPaulo was founded, and  after converting to Christianism became a key ally of the first Portuguese settlers.

The monks enjoyed the protection of some of the most powerful paulistas of that times, such as Fernão Dias Paes, the "Governor of the Emeralds", and then the richest man of the city. It was him who donated the money to build the second church and monastery of St. Benedict in the city. The ruthless bandeirante died in the course of his famous expedition to find emeralds in the interior of Brazil, not before ordering the hanging of one of his own sons for insubordination. His bones were brought to São Paulo, and, in recognition for his generosity he was interred under the floor of the church of St. Benedict.

With protectors and donors like these, the Order became tremendously rich and in São Paulo, owning numerous slaves and lands. However, during the 19th century, although rich, it experienced a considerable decline, along with the other religious orders, due to a law that abolished the novitiate.

Only one old monk remained in the monastery at the beginning of the XXth century; after 300 years of history, the fate of the order seemed doomed. But it was just at that moment that D. Miguel Krüse arrived at São Paulo. A German by birth, he left his country during the  Kulturkampf, the campaign against the catholic church in Germany initiated by chancellor Otto von Bismarck. He studied in a seminary in the United States, and was ordained priest in Ecuador. However, he only fullfilled his dream of becoming a benedictine in Brazil, and was sent to São Paulo in order to restore the former glory of the monastery. Under his energetic leadership, the order experienced an extraordinary renewal. He was designated abbott of the Sao Paulo monastery in 1907, and in 1910 he initiated the construction of a new church and abbey.

The old colonial buildings were then demolished, a sad historical loss for the city. Nevertheless, the new benedictine complex became an unsurpassable architectural achievement. It was built in the exuberant Beuron style, a fantastic architectural extravaganza which combines elements of the Egyptian, Byzantine, Romanesque and Celtic arts.

The sober façade of grey granite hides the profuse ornamentation of the interiors, the work of many noted European artisans and artists. To name just a few, Heinrich Waderé, professor at the Academy of Fine Arts of Munich, and Adelbert Gressnicht, who also worked in the Church of St. Anselm in New York. Another church attraction is the organ, made in Germany by the traditional Späth company.

The benedictine complex also houses the São Bento School, one of the most prestigious in the city, and where scores of prominent Brazilian businessmen, statesmen and scientists studied.

Throughout its long history, the St Benedict Monastery has endured some difficult times; in a recent past, the monks even struggled with cold and hunger. However, in 2007 the monastery attained international renown for hosting Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Brazil. The invaluable art collection is being restored by two of the leading Brazilian experts, Nilva Calixto and Sylésio Soares. The centuries years old monastery is now prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

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Image gallery (click to enlarge)

Main Facade
Bronze statue of St. Benedict at the church's entrance
Secondary façade - Florêncio de Abreu street
Pope Leo XIII - protector of the Monastery	Domingos Machado - Instaurator				Fernão Paes Leme - Founder
Secondary façade - Anhangabaú
		Terracotta panels		Terracotta medallion
Doors
Church interior
View of the central nave
Sculpture
Crucified Christ, end of the XVIIIth century. Sculptor: José Pereira Mutas			Adam and Eve from the trave over the high altar's chapel, during restauration
Pietá
Frescoes and other Paintings
		Icons from the altar in the  School Chapel
Stained Glass
Church Window			Window in the School Chapel
Pisos
			Mosaic damaged by the construction of a subway line in the 70s
Organ
Miscellaneous
Romanesque capital				Fence at a chapel in the right aisle
		Aerial view of the cloisters

(To contact us, send an email)

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