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Sao Bento Monastery

Rua Dom Gerardo 32, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Santo Cristo)
021/2291-7122
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Ranked #12 of 343 attractions in Rio de Janeiro
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Type: Religious Sites
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: <1 hour
Description: Gregorian chants are performed on Sundays at this Benedictine complex, which was completed in 1641 and contains a spectacular church altar.
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208 reviews from our community

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London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

From the outside this monastery looks like a very plain white building. Inside the gold will blow your breath away. Pure gold from ceiling to floor. It's a very peaceful place in the middle of the bustling city (especially on a week day). This is probably one of the lesser visited sights of Rio but I would definitely encourage people... More

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See 10 more reviews by Louise J for Rio de Janeiro
Memphis
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

The lighting is so dim that you really can't see the gold. They have to keep the light so low for preservation, but no need to go.

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See 7 more reviews by TRDesk for Rio de Janeiro
Toronto, Canada
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
40 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

One of the many treasures of Rio - My jaw dropped after I passed the beautiful iron gates and entered the church. This is the most stunning ornate building I have ever seen, So much gold and decoration, you have to sit for a bit a just take it all in. Next time I would come to a mass for... More

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See 6 more reviews by leapn for Rio de Janeiro
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

Went for a church meeting and were accommodated in the monastery guest house. I have no idea if regular travellers can use it or not. It was basic, en suite with air con (though not really needed at this time of year). Basic Brazilian food - always rice and beans, some meat, salad. Lots of fruit. Extremely warm welcome by... More

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Midland, Michigan
Top Contributor
141 reviews 141 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 64 cities Reviews in 64 cities
265 helpful votes 265 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2013

Such a thrill to see this church. The wood carving is a sight to behold. There will be no more places like this. We did not hear the chants, but it was still a honor to see this place.

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See 7 more reviews by Melanieann for Rio de Janeiro
Coventry, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

Quite a few streets to the Monastery and blocked due to roadworks and rebuilding work, but we managed to find the main road that leads up to the front of the Monastery and I was very impressed. Very peaceful and worth the visit.

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See 8 more reviews by SteveS1970 for Rio de Janeiro
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2013

Very sweet place to visit. On Sunday's the monk's sing in Gregorian chant. Shame I wasn't there on a Sunday to see it.

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See 9 more reviews by Kate578 for Rio de Janeiro
Philadelphia, PA
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 21, 2013

This monastery was amazing! When you are on the outside, it looks simple and plain. Then you walk into this amazing building where you are surrounded by gold. The amount of detail that the monks show in their craft is unbelievable. It was truly a remarkable experience.

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See 7 more reviews by Bryantrt08 for Rio de Janeiro
Vancouver, BC
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 13, 2013

WOW! It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it is absolutely stunning on the inside. Well worth the visit!

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See 6 more reviews by relaxed108 for Rio de Janeiro
Denver, Colorado
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 9, 2013

This monastery is beautiful and the church itself is absolutely stunning - Baroque and covered with gold. The entire church is just breathtaking. Don't miss it.

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See 6 more reviews by Lhotse21 for Rio de Janeiro

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