“A church older than the city itself?” you might ask. Indeed, the Paróquia São Roque predates the official recognition of São Roque as a municipality. Its story begins in the 17th century, long before the town’s rise to municipal status in the 19th century. The original Paróquia São Roque was a modest chapel, built on land belonging to Pedro Vaz de Barros. A devout follower of Saint Roch, Barros dedicated the Baroque-style chapel to his patron saint. The chapel eventually became too small for the growing community. In 1837, a larger church was constructed, retaining the Baroque style and adding a unique tower made of rammed earth. Its facade featured an image of Saint Roch, now relocated to Morro do Cruzeiro. This second Paróquia São Roque served the community for nearly a century. Then, in 1934, construction began on a new Paróquia São Roque. This modern structure, completed in 1941, is the church we stand before today. Its modern architectural lines contrast sharply with the earlier Baroque structures. The interior boasts stunning paintings by the Gentilli brothers, adorning the ceiling and walls. These works, along with the mosaic-style stained glass windows, are considered true masterpieces. The windows depict scenes from the life of Saint Roch. A remarkable relic, a piece of the saint’s forearm, rests within the altar. The Paróquia São Roque has been more than just a place of worship. It once served as a repository for vital records. Baptisms, births, and deaths from the 17th to the 20th centuries were all meticulously recorded and stored here. These invaluable documents were later transferred to the Archdiocese of São Paulo, then digitized and made public. So, as you admire the Paróquia São Roque, remember, you’re not just looking at a church. You’re looking at a testament to centuries of faith, history, and artistic expression in São Roque.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to