Igreja de Ribeirão

“A city’s heart, often found in its sacred spaces.” Today, we stand before the Igreja de Ribeirão in Porto, a testament to the city’s enduring faith. The Igreja de Ribeirão’s story intertwines with the rise and fall of the city itself. Its history is a reflection of the community it serves. The first Igreja de Ribeirão, affectionately known as the “velha Matriz,” was erected between 1866 and 1870 in what is now Praça XV de Novembro. The late 19th century saw the collapse of the Matriz’s towers. This spurred the community to envision a grander church, one befitting Ribeirão Preto’s growing importance. In 1892, a commission formed to lead this ambitious project. Among its members were influential figures like Colonel Francisco Schmidt, the “Coffee King,” and plantation owner Manoel da Cunha Diniz Junqueira, whose remains would later find their final resting place within the new cathedral. On October 21, 1893, a solemn ceremony marked the blessing and laying of the cornerstone. The chosen location was the “Largo do Cemitèrio Velho.” This name, referencing an old cemetery, adds a layer of historical intrigue to the Igreja de Ribeirão. The original design was gifted by José Alves Guimarães Junior. However, progress stalled. The assigned priest, Monsignor Siqueira, fell ill. His successor briefly initiated construction, but funds ran dry. The town council ordered the foundations buried, a poignant pause in the church’s journey. In 1900, Monsignor Siqueira returned, and a new commission rose, including Schmidt and Colonel Joaquim da Cunha Diniz Junqueira. The previous commission’s remaining funds were invested in reopening the foundations. In November 1900, debates arose regarding the ideal location, eventually settling on Largo 13 de Maio after a vote. After a design competition in 1901, Swedish architect Carlos Ekman, renowned for introducing neoclassicism to Brazil, was selected. Yet again, financial constraints halted construction. In this period, discussions about expanding Dr. Loyola’s garden led to the demolition of the old Matriz in 1905. Finally, on March 3, 1904, the cornerstone was relaid, marking the true beginning of the Igreja de Ribeirão we see today. The Igreja de Ribeirão isn’t merely a place of worship. It’s a repository of history, a silent witness to the community’s trials and triumphs. It stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of Ribeirão Preto.