A small town in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil, Barretos is known worldwide for its rodeos. Instead of focusing on rodeos, this post brings a hidden gem in downtown Barretos: its Catedral do Divino Espírito Santo (Cathedral of the Divine Holy Spirit).
Unlike many historic and larger Brazilian cathedrals, Barretos’s Cathedral is relatively new. Its design reflects a blend of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco styles. As for its construction date, the online sources vary. The Barretos newspaper (Jornal de Barretos) says construction began in 1856 as a small chapel. As the city grew, a larger building was needed. In 1880, construction of the new cathedral started. It took forty years to unveil the Cathedral of the Divine Holy Spirit.
The opening image is a composite with a textured water image applied over the original photo. On the side, you can see the original photo without the textured addition.
Besides beautiful stained glass, the cathedral has some detailed ceiling artwork, as shown below.
Among the various images throughout the cathedral, I feature the following: Christ carrying His Cross and Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil‘s Patron Saint.
We visited Barretos in July 2001, when one of my brothers and his family used to live there.
Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Aletta - nowathome
It is an amazing building Egídio, I love the stained glass windows and the mural is just exquisite
thanks for sharing 
restlessjo
I love the water effect you’ve applied to that first image, Egidio. Such unusual artwork in that church. It’s very striking and your photos are wonderful.
margaret21
What a statement this church makes! As does your lovely and atmospheric first photo.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Splendida! Grazie per la condivisione.
Leanne Cole
These places are always so fascinating to explore, especially with a camera.
Toonsarah
Beautifully photographed and the water effect is just that, effective
It looks like dappled sunshine!
Anne Sandler
Beautiful church and images!
Donna Robinson Photography
I love photographing churches and cathedrals……..you captured some beautiful images of this one. Thanks for sharing.
Egídio Leitão
You are welcome, Aletta. Thanks for your feedback.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Jo. Those images have resisted the test of time. I was able to recover the beauty of the place in those very old images.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Margaret.
Egídio Leitão
Piacere mio.
Egídio Leitão
I’d love to go back with a better camera to relive the experience. Thanks.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Sarah. I appreciate the feedback, especially about the effect.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Anne. I’m glad you liked them.
Egídio Leitão
Donna, we love seeing churches and visiting them. Thanks for the feedback.
restlessjo