“Another church?” you might be thinking. But the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Gula isn’t just another church. It is a place of unique history.
The Igreja Nossa Senhora da Gula stands as a testament to faith. It also represents perseverance in the face of adversity. This church is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies the spirit of Rio de Janeiro.
Legend says that in the 17th century, a storm threatened a Spanish boat. The boat was named Candelária. Captains Antonio Martins Palma and Leonor Gonçalves vowed to build a hermitage to Nossa Senhora da Candelária if they survived. They fulfilled their promise upon arriving in Rio around 1609. They built a small chapel where the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Gula now stands.
Official records begin in 1710. At that time the parish church underwent its first renovation. In the second half of the 18th century, an extension became necessary. Staff Sergeant Francisco João Roscio, a Portuguese military engineer, drew up plans. The plans were for a new Latin cross-shaped building. Construction began in 1775 using material from Catete.
The first opening occurred in 1811. The works were unfinished. There was only one nave and altars carved by Mestre Valentim. This opening coincided with the presence of Prince Regent Dom João VI. Mestre Valentim was a renowned Rococo artist from Rio de Janeiro. Sadly, his works were replaced in later reforms.
The facade faces Guanabara Bay. It was the city’s main entrance by sea. The plant follows a Latin cross format. Painted murals depict its history. In the 19th century, the project expanded to its current three-nave configuration. The original facade by Francisco Roscio was preserved.
The dome posed a significant challenge between 1856 and 1877. Many architects intervened. The dome sections were made of Portuguese Lioz rock from Lisbon. They were finally installed with eight statues sculpted by José Cesário de Salles. For a long time, the dome of Igreja Nossa Senhora da Gula was the city’s tallest structure.
In 1878, Italian Renaissance interior decorations began. Polychrome marble flooring appeared on the walls and columns. João Zeferino da Costa, a professor at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, created the murals. His students Henrique Bernardelli, Oscar Pereira da Silva, and Giambattista Castagneto assisted him.
Other notable features include the altar by Brazilian Archimedes Memoria. There are also German stained glass windows. The large Art Nouveau pulpits are by Portuguese sculptor Rodolfo Pinto de Couto. In 1901, beautiful brass doors were installed at the entrance. These were the work of Portuguese Teixeira Lopes.
As you stand here, consider the centuries of faith. Reflect on the artistry that has shaped this sacred space. The Igreja Nossa Senhora da Gula invites you to connect with Rio’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It is a journey through time, art, and devotion.