Was it Chief Tibiriçá’s welcome of the first Jesuits that made the founding of São Paulo possible? Now, standing before the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Assumption and Saint Paul, also known as the See Cathedral, we’re about to unravel its story. This cathedral is the heart of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo in Brazil.
The construction of Our Lady of Conception Cathedral began in 1913. It concluded four decades later. The dedication occurred on the 400th anniversary of São Paulo’s founding. Chief Tibiriçá and Jesuit priests Manuel da Nóbrega and José de Anchieta founded the humble villa.
Despite its Renaissance-style dome, some consider the São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral the fourth largest neo-Gothic cathedral worldwide. The history stretches back to 1589. It was then decided that a main church would be built in the small village. This first church was finished around 1616.
In 1745, São Paulo became the seat of a diocese. The old church was demolished. A new Baroque-style church replaced it around 1764. This modest church served until 1911. That’s when it too was demolished to make way for what you see now.
Duarte Leopoldo e Silva, the first archbishop of São Paulo, initiated the present cathedral. German architect Maximilian Emil Hehl designed the Neo-Gothic structure. The inauguration happened in 1954. However, the towers were still unfinished. They were completed in 1967.
Between 2000 and 2002, Our Lady of Conception Cathedral underwent a complete renovation. Many pinnacles over the nave and towers were completed. The original 1912 construction plans were found inside. This allowed for a faithful restoration.
This is the largest Catholic Church in São Paulo. It is second largest after the Pentecostal Templo de Salomão. It measures 111 meters long and 46 meters wide. The two flanking towers reach 92 meters. The site covers 5,300 square meters. The floor area spans 6,700 square meters.
Our Lady of Conception Cathedral follows a Latin cross plan. It features a five-aisled nave. The dome rises 30 meters over the crossing. While generally Neo-Gothic, the dome draws inspiration from Florence Cathedral’s Renaissance dome.
The cathedral can accommodate 8,000 people. Over 800 tons of rare marble were used. Inner capitals showcase sculpted Brazilian produce. Look for coffee branches, pineapples, and native animals such as armadillos.
Below the main altar lies the crypt. It is decorated with marble sculptures by Francisco Leopoldo e Silva. These depict the history of Job and St Jerome. The crypt holds the tombs of all bishops and archbishops of São Paulo. Bronze tombs honor Father Diogo Feijó and the cacique Tibiriçá. Feijó was regent during Emperor Pedro II’s infancy. Tibiriçá welcomed the first Jesuits.
In 2004, Bartolomeu de Gusmão’s remains were moved to the crypt. He was a Jesuit and airship innovator.
The cathedral’s organ, built in 1954 by Balbiani & Rossi, is one of Latin America’s largest. It boasts five keyboards, 329 stops, 120 registers, and 12,000 pipes. The east tower holds a carillon of 61 bells. Petit & Fritsen bellfoundry of the Netherlands cast them. Installed in 1959, it’s the largest and heaviest carillon in Central and South America.
The window frames were crafted by Palici-Baccaro. This stonework company was founded by Italian immigrants in the 1940s.
As you leave Our Lady of Conception Cathedral, consider the layers of history and artistry. It is a testament to faith, culture, and the enduring spirit of São Paulo.