On top of São Bento Hill, Downtown, near Praça Mauá, the Monastery of São Bento holds one of the most dazzling interiors in Brazil. The façade is plain; inside, the church is entirely covered in gilded carved wood, an effect that tends to leave visitors speechless.
Benedictine monks settled on the hill in 1590. Construction of the church began in 1633, and the decoration went on through the 17th and 18th centuries. Among the artists who worked here were the sculptor Frei Domingos da Conceição and the painter Frei Ricardo do Pilar.
The interior is considered one of the masterpieces of Brazilian Baroque: altars, columns, arches and vaults form a striking golden ensemble. Take your time with the side chapels, the carved angels and the paintings, which reveal new details at every glance.
The monastery is still active: the monks live here, following the Rule of St Benedict, with their routine of prayer and work. They also run the Colégio de São Bento, one of Rio’s most traditional schools.
The highlight is the Sunday morning mass with Gregorian chant sung by the monks — a beautiful experience even if you are not religious. It is usually at 10 am, but check the time on the official channels and arrive early, as the church fills up.
Tips: the entrance is on Rua Dom Gerardo, where an elevator and a ramp lead up the hill. Dress modestly (avoid shorts, tank tops and bare shoulders) and keep quiet during services. Use a ride-hailing app to come and go, and combine the visit with Praça Mauá and the Museum of Tomorrow nearby.
Official website: Mosteiro de São Bento ↗