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10 Interesting facts about Sao Paulo Cathedral

Sao Paulo Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, the architecture of the cathedral has theological symbolism, and the walls of the church represent a spiritual foundation while the pillars signify the saints. It has tall towers, and the overall structure is lovely. Tourists all around the world come to visit the cathedral.

Its gorgeous and breath-taking structure has proven to mankind that indeed God is great. In this article, we will look at the top 10 interesting facts about Sao Paulo Cathedral.

1 Has a big Crypt

The San Paulo Cathedral has a very big Crypt underground, which is the resting place for people like father Diogo Feijo and Bartolomeu Lorenco de Gusmao. The massive crypt is beautifully decorated with marble structures that tell the biblical story of Job and Saint Jerome. It is allocated under the main alter and its bishop, and the archbishop is buried within.

It has two bronze tombs of two important historical figures: Father Diogo  Feijo and the Cacique Tibirica. The human remains of Bartolomeu De Gusmao were transferred to the crypt in 2004.

2 Was Designed by Prof Maximilian Emil Hehl

The cathedral was built under the first archbishop of Sao Paulo, Duarte Leopoldo e Silva. The work began in 1913, on the spot of the demolished colonial cathedral. It followed the project of a German Architect, Maximilian Emil Hehl who designed a Neo-Gothic structure. He died before the conclusion. His other projects included the cathedral of Santos and the Consolacao Church in Sao Paulo both in Gothic style.

 After a long period of no action, the Sao Paulo cathedral underwent a complete renovation in the years 2000 and 2002. The original construction plans were found inside the building therefore a successful restoration of the original design.

3 Consist of excessive Instrument

One way of worshipping God is through songs and praises. The cathedral being a house of God is home to one of the largest organs in Latin America. The Organ has 5 keyboards, 329 stops, 120 registers and 12000 pipes. It was built by the Italian firm Balabiani and Rossi in 1954.

The east tower of the cathedral also contains one of the biggest and heaviest carillons in South America with 61 bells. It was installed in 1959.

4 It’s the largest Catholic Church in the City of Sao Paulo

The church is 111 meters long, 46 meters wide with two side towers reaching a height of 92 meters. It is floor area is 6700 square meters and the site area is 5300 square meters. Even though the cathedral is Neo-Gothic the dome is inspired by the Renaissance dome of the cathedral of Florence.

With a five-aisled nave, the church has a total capacity of 8000 people. It is the second largest after the Pentecostal Tempo de Salomao and the largest Catholic Church in the city of Sao Paulo.

5 Unique decoration and rare materials

The cathedral is termed as lovely and breath-taking for a reason, It is easily distinguishable from other buildings because of its unique structure. It has two, 300 feet tall towers and a teal roof. The church was completed with more than 800 tons of rare marble. The inner capital is decorated with sculpted Brazilian produce such as coffee branches, pineapples, and native animals such as tatus armadillos.

Underneath there is a massive crypt with sculptures depicting biblical scenes and catholic saints. This building is rich in history and beauty and it is why it acts as one of the tourist attraction sites.

6 Challenges were faced during construction

The construction from 1913 to1967 was interrupted by two world wars which made it difficult to get the mosaics and other decorative elements from Italy. Sculptures and Furniture that make up the church were bought by ship from Italy. The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 was a direct and dangerous confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union during the cold war. However, the construction was ready for the 400^th anniversary of the city despite the towers being unfinished.

The towers would only be completed in 1967. After a long period of decay, there was a renovation hence restoration of the original design.

7 Built in the years 1598 and 1612

The history of the Cathedral begins in 1598 when it is decided that the main church (Martz)will be built in the small village of San Paulo. It was completed around 1616 and later demolished when San Paulo became the seat of the dioceses. The building was replaced by a new one built in the Baroque style. It would be demolished in 1911.

The work on the current cathedral began in 1913, on the site of the demolished cathedral. However, due to the war, there was great difficulty in completing the work. The inauguration of the cathedral took place in 1954. After a long period of deterioration, the cathedral was completely renovated in 2000 and 2002.

8 Tourist Attraction

The Church is not only a place of worship and a house of God but also a tourist attraction. People all over the world travel to see the Sao Paulo Cathedral church. It is listed as top ten places to visit in San Paulo.

Its architecture and structure are one of a kind. The interior has several interesting features and on the front are the status of Old Testament prophets and Christ’s disciples.

9 Window Frames

The window frames were made by Italian Immigrants who used Granite. They were a family company in the 1940s called Palici-Baccaro. Their business would later be the origin of Baccaro Marble and Granites, a traditional company in the market. The beautiful large stained glass windows of the Sao Paulo Cathedral illuminate the church telling the story of Christ.

10 Also called Praca de Se

Praca de se is a public space in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It is considered the city’s Central point. The square was the location of many historical events. It is the point from where the distance of all roads passing through Sao Paulo is encountered.