Basilica do Senhor do Bonfim – Witness the Elaborate Décor of the Cathedral

Source: Natally Acioli [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is a popular Catholic church built in the 18th century and situated atop the hill in the Itapagipe Peninsula. The cathedral is dedicated to Roman Catholic Diocese of Biofim, and every year there are religious celebrations that are conducted in the church. The church holds a lot of historical value and was built for the veneration of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, an old tradition of Portuguese origin brought to Brazil during Portuguese invasion. The church façade is made of bricks and stone masonry, and the central part is flanked by two towers.

The windows on the front part are large and have elaborately detailed art in Rocco style. The lower part of the cathedral front is neatly decorated with Portuguese azulejo tile, and this construction was done in the year 1873. The church consists of two bell towers and has well decorated bulbous roofs from the 19th century. The interior of the cathedral reflects the excellence of Neo-classical architecture with the main altarpiece influenced by it. The altarpiece was curved and sculpted by famous sculpture Antonio Joaquim dos Santos. The lateral walls are gorgeous and decorated with many altarpieces.

The ceiling is gorgeously carved, and there are altars on two sides. The ceiling of the church is known for some beautiful paintings that were done by Bahia artist Franco Velasco. One of the most popular celebrations that are conducted in the church is Festa do Bonfim and is an annual celebration that takes place in Salvador. It is an interesting celebration and perhaps the best time to pay a visit to the church to know the customs and rituals. The celebrations last for around ten days, and thousands of worshippers gather from across the country. The feast is conducted in Catholic style.

The images inside the church of Lord of Bonfim and Our Lady of Guia are from Portugal which was carried during the Portuguese rule. The church was built in the year 1754 on the small hill on the Itapagipe Peninsula. The cathedral houses the statue of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim which was brought by Portuguese captain after surviving a terrible storm. The church incorporates the practice of Candomble and the worship practice has its roots from African Yoruba belief that was brought by African Slaves. The church is opened for public from 5.30 am to 6.00 pm with Sunday dedicated for mass.

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Today's author is Apeksha.

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