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The Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Penha is one of the most important religious temples in Recife, Pernambuco. Located in the São José neighbourhood, the church is known as much for its rich history as for its impressive architecture.
Video about the Architecture and History of the Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Penha
Basílica Nossa Senhora da Penha em Recife
Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Penha in Recife PE
1. History
The Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Penha, located in the heart of Recife’s commercial centre, dates back to the time of the Hereditary Captaincies, when Count Dutch Maurício de Nassau, then governor, welcomed the first French Capuchin missionaries to Pernambuco in 1642.
Later, the Capuchins received a donation of a vast site and built a hospice and a church.
In 1870, Capuchins from Veneto (Italy) demolished the old Church of Penha and erected the imposing present-day Basilica of Penha, completing the work in 1882, led by the skilful Capuchin architect Friar Francesco Maria Di Vicenza.
The friar architect was inspired by the Venetian basilica of San Giorggio Maggiore, in the Neoclassical style.
The Basílica Nossa Senhora da Penha is a landmark in the history of architecture in Pernambuco and an example in Brazil of the beginnings of neoclassicism in Pernambuco.
Unlike the Baroque style used in most of Recife’s churches, the Basílica da Penha has Neo-Renaissance architecture and is an architectural masterpiece with a vast artistic ensemble both inside and out.
Most of the works have no documentation indicating proper authorship, leaving a gap in the building’s historical survey.
Among the few pieces with known authorship, we find the figures of St Francis and St Anthony carved in marble in bas-relief by Valentino Besarel on the high altar. However, there are indications that several works come from the same sculptor. There are also frescoes by Murillo La Greca on the high altar.
In 1964, Dom Hélder Câmara, Archbishop of Olinda and Recife, created the Parish of Nossa da Penha and chose the Basilica of Penha as its Mother Church.
Traditionally on Fridays, the Basílica Nossa Senhora da Penha gathers a large influx of devotees, when the blessing of St Felix is given throughout the day by the Capuchins.
2. Neoclassical Style Architecture
The architecture of the Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Penha is an impressive example of the neoclassical style, which was popular in Brazil during the 19th century. The church’s façade is characterised by its columns and triangular pediment, typical elements of this architectural style.
The main entrance is majestic, with large carved wooden doors giving access to the interior of the temple.
The interior of the basilica is grand and ornate, with a large, high central nave. The walls and ceiling are decorated with sacred paintings and reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Our Lady and the saints of the Catholic Church. The high altar is the focal point of the interior, richly adorned with marble and gold, and houses the image of Our Lady of Penha, carved in wood.
The side chapels are dedicated to other saints and are also adorned with paintings and statues. Natural light enters through coloured stained glass windows, which were imported from Europe and represent biblical passages and religious figures.
3. Cultural and religious significance
The Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Penha is an important centre of devotion in Recife. The festival in honour of Our Lady of Penha, celebrated in November, is one of the city’s most significant religious events, attracting thousands of faithful. During the festivities, the basilica becomes a meeting point for processions, masses and other religious activities.
In addition to its religious role, the basilica is also an important historical and architectural landmark in Recife. It represents the city’s rich cultural heritage, as well as the influence of the Catholic Church on the social and cultural development of the region.
The basilica is frequently visited by tourists who come to admire its architecture and learn more about Recife’s religious history. It is a symbol of faith and perseverance, reflecting the long history of Catholicism in Brazil.
Tourist Guide to Recife, Pernambuco and the Northeast
Religious Tourism and Sacred Recife
