Amazing is an overused word but this church, Nossa Senhora do Brasil, is amazing. I didn’t know much about it except for the mention of its beautiful tiles on a blogpost that I read. Yes the tiles are indeed stunning but the ceiling is what really captivated me. Upon entering the main door of the Church, this ceiling is what greets you. It is a replica of the iconic Creation of Adam by Michelangelo which can be found in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. Antonio Paim Vieira, a painter and ceramicist, was in charge of the interior decoration of the Church. He painted the starry sky above the Madonna and Child on the ceiling of the main altar surrounded by Brazilians from various parts of the country dressed in their native costumes. (See below) This gilded and carved wooden altar is from the Church of Sant’Anna de Mogi das Cruzes (an hour northeast of São Paulo). The statue of the Virgin and Child on the altar has a fascinating story surrounding its origin. A wooden statue was carved
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” - James Michener