Capela Senhor dos Passos da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Catholic chapel in Santa Casa de Misericórdia complex, Porto Alegre, Brazil
The Capela Senhor dos Passos is a neogothic church building within the Santa Casa de Misericórdia complex, distinguished by two symmetrical towers and elaborate stained glass windows. The interior features Italian wall paintings created by Emilio Sessa in the 1960s.
Construction of this chapel began in 1819 and was completed in 1835, making it the first religious building within the hospital complex. A statue of the Lord of the Steps, brought from Rio de Janeiro earlier in 1806, had already shaped local processions before the building was finished.
The chapel centers on devotion to the Lord of the Steps, a figure that has been central to local religious processions for generations. This focus shapes how the interior looks and how people use the space in their faith practices today.
The main entrance to this chapel is now on the side of the building, as the original grand staircase was relocated during the 1940s urban development. Visitors should dress modestly and be respectful, as this remains an active place of worship throughout the day.
The stained glass windows were designed in the 1940s by Brazilian artist Judith Fortes, bringing local craftsmanship to religious art that few visitors know about. Her work here represents an early period of her career and shows how local artists contributed to the chapel's beauty.
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