Rio 4

Several blocks from Granado and down a broad side street/plaza, Nara led her small tour to the Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro.

Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro

 We found an entrance open on the side, off a broad plaza that connects the church and its convent.

Carved Stone Above the Side Entrance

We stepped into the foyer, and I began to soak in this 16th century beauty.  Simple stucco and dark wood floors and trim spoke of colonial times when the Carmelite order arrived in Rio.

Grace

And Peace

 We purchased tickets for a tour.  BTW, if you're planning to visit,  this guided tour is a must.  Our  guide beckoned us into the first room.  This magnificent carved wooden Crucifix filled the space.

Crucifix
Framed with Gold Leaf Carved Wood
Columns and Arch 

A 21st Century Method for Prayer Votives
Valeria Digital

Chandelier and Ceiling

Painted pattern surrounds this door.
See how thick the walls are?

To the left of the Crucifix is a Baptismal Font.

Carved Detail of the Marble Fountain

Jesus Christ
Son of God~Suffering Servant~Savior

The church tour group moved outside that first room to an area where water was collected for use in the Baptismal Font.

A thick stone wall shows evidence of
centuries of water.

Stone Grotto and Steps

Ferns and Mosses

 Up exterior stone steps, Vania and the church tour guide waited with others for another station.

The next area that we visited was a space behind the altar of the main sanctuary (I would discover later). It reminded me of a wine cellar, only it was above ground.  Beautiful stone walls and embedded brick arches were tied together with dark wood beams.  This was one of many archeological 'dig' sites inside the church.

These stones are held together with a mortar made of crushed sea shells and whale oil!
300 + years later, the walls still stand.

Shades and Shadows

 Back through the foyer we went, and up the gracious centuries-old wood staircase to the second floor.

Don't you wonder what stories these steps would tell?

The ancient church is undergoing both archaeological exploration and renovation.  We saw several interior sites on our tour.  Artifacts too.

Gold Leaf Carved Wood
from
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé
The Church of Our Lady of Carmel

Our guide led us to an interior balcony  on the second floor of the church.  "No flash photography, please."  There was a hush about this space.  I stepped to one of the three balcony rails, brushing aside a heavy, deep-red velvet curtain, and looked. 

An Apostle Framed in Gold-Leafed Carved Wood
Painted Wood Walls

Curved Wood Barrel Ceiling
Mural Framed in Gilt Carved Wood

From the Balcony Toward the Back of the Sanctuary

Above the Altar

Amazing Artistry

This present church was consecrated in 1770.  Its ornately embellished walls are wood.  The ceiling invites both eye and spirit to soar with it.  Gold and white--the colors of royalty and purity--remind me of the King of Kings.  This church became the Royal Chapel of the Portuguese Royal Family and Court in 1808, and at least two coronations occurred in this very room.  But their reigns pale in comparison to the eternal Kingdom of God.  And even when this ancient, breathtaking structure has turned to dust, God will still be Sovereign.

Altar
Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro

Glory

Antique Artistry

Carved Perfection in Gold Leaf

We watched a video presentation in the cathedral.  Since it was in Portuguese, I  found time to have a private worship service!  I'm such a visual person--the sanctuary appointments helped me feel very close to my Lord and Savior.

As I said earlier, if you're planning to visit this Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, take the guided tour--even if you don't speak Portuguese.  And get a native speaker to go along; like Nara, your translator will help you be amazed in this magnificent place.

Lunch is next on Nara's tour!  And more discoveries in Centro.  Stay tuned for Rio 5 . . .