A few meters away from the noisy avenues of central Rio de Janeiro, the hill of São Bento lives in unbreakable serenity. In this Benedictine monastery, founded in 1590 by monks from Bahía, time passes by differently than in the rest of the city.
Originally, the hill of São Bento stood at the outskirts of Rio, caressed by the waves of Guanabara Bay. From it, one could witness the arrival of princess Leopoldina, the betrothed of Brazil’s future Emperor.
Nowadays, the waters have moved further away, and modern skyscrapers surround the hill, although they didn’t manage to hide away the sun.
I first visited the São Bento monastery when it was covered in scaffoldings, and the last viaducts that surrounded the hill were being demolished in an unnerving thunder. The temple had been surrounded by cars for 60 years, but the port’s renewal held a promising future. Even in those times, despite its battered state, the hill still had an aura of tranquility.
Two years later, the temple has been completely restored, keeping the same peaceful atmosphere.
This beautiful Carioca church is open during the whole year, and is accessible by Tramway, on « São Bento » station. I strongly advise to assist to its mass with gregorian chants, every sunday at 10 am.
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