Visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of Porto Alegre
Located on Praça da Matriz (Matriz Square) in the historic center of Porto Alegre and just steps from the Palácio Piratini (Piratini Palace), the seat of the local executive branch, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Porto Alegre is a city landmark. While the viceroy of Brazil authorized a place of worship here as early as 1772, the current structure was built between 1921 and 1973 to replace the original. The first mass was held there in 1922.
A Colorful Renaissance-Style Cathedral
The cathedral features classic architecture, with two towers flanking the main entrance, columns, and a large dome measuring 18 meters in diameter that reaches 63 meters in height. The towers were brought from Rio de Janeiro in the 18th century.
The mosaics and stained glass were crafted according to traditional techniques at the mosaic workshop of the Vatican. They depict various religious figures and Pope Pius X. These vibrant figures decorate the pediment and the exterior facade. The shiny material used to create them contains Murano glass, a high-quality glass produced in the region of Venice that helps the color nuances stand out.
Exploring the Interior of the Porto Alegre Cathedral
A baroque sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the child sits above the altar. The moldings are highly detailed, and the wood furnishings were carefully chosen to outfit the interior. Sumptuous stained glass windows line the nave on both sides. The crypt was constructed using granite sourced from the surrounding mountains.
It dominates the city from its highest point. It is massive with its enormous blocks of dark stone. The griffins carved into its walls are terrifying. It reminds me of certain cathedrals in East Germany. Could it be related to the German immigration that is very present in the region?