Mosteiro de São Bento (Sao Bento Monastery), Sao Paulo (must see)

The soaring interior nave with ornate details makes this the most beautiful and vivid church in São Paulo. The monastery was originally established in 1598.

In 1640, the Duke of Braganca was crowned King of Portugal. A group in São Paulo rejected the new King and offered the title King of São Paulo to Amateur Bueno. Bueno rejected this title and hid in the Mosteiro de São Bento until the political unrest died down and D. João was recognized as King.

The current neo-Gothic façade was built in 1914. German architect Richard Berndl created the new design. Belgian sculptor Adrien Henri Vital van Emelen created impressive sculptures of the 12 apostles.

The interior craftsmanship is exquisite, and the stained glass is stunning. A Friar crafted clay images on the high altar in the 1600s. The high altar is made from marble imported from Italy. The clock was installed in 1920 and was considered the most accurate timepiece in São Paulo. The impressive organ has over 6,000 tubes and can be heard at mass. Forty-five monks live in the Monastery and spend their lives praying and working.

Don't miss seeing the church in action and listening to its fabulous haunting sound features. Listen to Gregorian chanting during mass weekdays at 6 am, weekends at 10 am. There's also an on-site bakery with delicious treats made on-property by monks using secret recipes. You'll find bread, cakes, biscuits, jam, chocolates, and craft beer.