Basilica of Our Lady of the Rock, Recife, Catholic basilica in Santo Antonio district, Recife, Brazil.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rock is a religious building in the Santo Antonio district featuring Renaissance Revival design with Corinthian elements throughout. Its interior is adorned with marble reliefs and frescoes that span the entire structure.
French Capuchin Franciscans founded a small oratory outside the Gate of Santo Antônio in 1655, on land donated by Belchior Alves Camello and his wife Joanna Bezerra. In 1870 Capuchins from the Veneto demolished the old church and built the present basilica, completed in 1882 under Frei Francesco Maria Di Vicenza, who modelled it on Venice's San Giorgio Maggiore.
Every Friday the Capuchin friars hold the Blessing of Saint Felix of Cantalice throughout the day, drawing large numbers of the faithful; during the 2007-2014 restoration it moved to a space beside the basilica. The high altar carries marble relief figures of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Anthony by Italian sculptor Valentino Panciera Besarel (1829-1902), and frescoes by Brazilian painter Murillo La Greca (1899-1985).
The Capuchin friars live in the convent attached to the basilica, Brazil's first Capuchin house. On Fridays the Blessing of Saint Felix of Cantalice is given by the friars throughout the day, drawing large numbers of the faithful; during the 2007-2014 restoration it was moved to a space beside the church. The gilded saint above the outer dome and an Italian vitrified mosaic panel were brought back to view by that restoration.
The high altar holds marble relief figures of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony carved by Italian sculptor Valentino Panciera Besarel (1829–1902), with frescoes by Brazilian painter Murillo La Greca (1899–1985). Most other works in the church have no recorded author.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,814 contributors worldwide.