It’s not the oldest of Catholic churches in Brazil… nor even the most beautiful. However, the Catedral da Sé sits atop the spot where the original cathedral of Sao Paulo once stood from 1589-1745.
The original, and very humble, church was replaced by a more elaborate Baroque style Cathedral in 1745 when an era of grandeur and money hit Sao Paulo. This second church stood in the same location from 1745-1911 until plans for a gothic style cathedral were hatched. The current Cathedral was the result of this planning. It took decades to build and was finally completed in 1967.
Inside Gothic arches hold up elaborately tiles ceilings. The marble is imported.
Under the church is an elaborate network of underground crypts and catacombs. From what I could determine in my broken franken-language, this is only open to the public at certain times and for a fee. It’s here that important Brazilian religious figures are finally laid to rest.
Nice to see someone “discovering” my home country.
“Sampa” is very interesting. I suggest you go watch a soccer game for a full experience 🙂
Thanks Antonio – that’s the first time I’ve heard São Paulo referred to as Sampa; good to know!
I missed out on the Football experience… and regretted it. But I wasn’t sure the implications of a female going to a game alone in Brazil.
That said, if we meet in one of the global offices, and there is a game at the same time, I think we will have to get tickets.
Hope you are enjoying Dallas!