San Bento Monastery

The Monastery of San Bento in Rio de Janeiro is one of the oldest architectural complexes in the city. The monastery was founded by Benedictine monks in the middle of the XVI century and is dedicated to Saint Benedict.

In 1565, the Portuguese aristocrat Manuel de Brito gave the order of Benedictine monks a plot of land on a high hill in the center of Rio de Janeiro. From the top there is a stunning view of the city and Guanabara Bay. Monks began the construction of a temple dedicated to the Assumption of the Mother of God, fraternal chambers and cells were erected on the adjacent territory. The Church of the Assumption (Nossa Signora de Assunzao) became a real pearl of Brazilian architecture. The monks of the fraternity of St. Benedict traditionally built temples with their own efforts, but this time they asked to design the famous architect Franchisca da Mesquita. By 1669, the temple building was completed, which became the first example of eclecticism in Brazil. The appearance of the temple combines elements of Baroque, Gothic, Mannerism and early classicism.

Behind the modest appearance of the temple of the Assumption hides a stunning interior with its luxury. Gold and silver, carved wood and silver-covered sculptures of saints make the temple unique.

By the beginning of the XVII century, the appearance of monastic buildings was formed, which became the architectural dominant towering over Rio.

Concerts of classical and sacred music are regularly held within the walls of the monastery, the museum of the history of the monastery operates. At the same time, about 40 monks still live here.