at a glance

The Mosteiro Beneditino do Rio de Janeiro (Benedictine Monastery of Rio de Janeiro), also known as Mosteiro de São Bento (são bento monastery) was founded in 1590 by monks who came from Bahia, at the request of the inhabitants of the recently founded region - Its four centuries of history make it one of the most valuable historical artifacts in the country.

The church is preserved in the centre of the city, and runs many regular activities, the most notable of which are: the divine office and mass with Gregorian chanting.

The monastery is attached to the Abadia de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate, or 'Abbey of Our Lady of Monsterrat', and both of these buildings acted as important reference points in the Rio cityscape until the 20th Century, featuring as the focal attraction of several paintings. The outer façade of the Church is typical of Portuguese mannerism, or Late renaissance architecture, with simple geometric patterns and a sober aesthetic, as well as spherical spires and pyramid finishes on the towers.