church · Ilhota, SC
Igreja Matriz São Pio X
Completed in 1941 as the Capela São Sebastião, it became the parish church in 1954 and stands on the banks of the Itajaí-Açu river. It has neoclassical decorative elements, arches and encaustic tile floors, and an adjoining grotto.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Igreja Matriz São Pio X
The Igreja Matriz São Pio X (main church) is the principal Catholic church of Ilhota, in the Vale do Itajaí. It is downtown, on high ground by the Itajaí-Açu river, and is one of the town's symbols.
Franciscan friars from Gaspar served the community from the late 19th century. The current building was erected in the first half of the 20th century, on the initiative of Frei Elmar, and the parish of São Pio X was created on May 31, 1954, with territory split off from the parishes of Itajaí and Luiz Alves. Because it stands on high ground, the church often serves as a support point for the community during floods.
The facade has a central clock tower and arched windows. Inside, the stained glass and encaustic tile floor stand out. From the main door you can see the river and the hills on the other bank. Behind the church there is a devotional grotto.
The town's name comes from a small island (ilhota) that once existed in the Itajaí-Açu, near where the church stands today, and that disappeared in the great floods of the past. The visit is quick and goes well with a stroll downtown and along the riverbank. The main door is reached by a staircase.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes, including the grotto and the river view.
Best time
On a clear day, in the late afternoon, when the low light shines on the facade and the river; on Sundays it is busier because of Mass.
How to get there
It is on Rua 21 de Junho, in downtown Ilhota, by the Itajaí-Açu river. Ilhota is about 20 km from Itajaí; you can walk from downtown, and there is street parking.
Tip
Check Mass times with the parish office before you go, and step through the main door to see the river framed by the entrance.
Official website
A look at the place
Igreja Matriz São Pio X in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Igreja Matriz São Pio X
Where is the Igreja Matriz São Pio X in Ilhota?
In downtown Ilhota (SC), on Rua 21 de Junho, on high ground beside the Rio Itajaí-Açu.
When was the São Pio X parish in Ilhota created?
On May 31, 1954, with territory taken from the parishes of Itajaí and Luiz Alves. The church building is older, from the first half of the 20th century.
Does the church in Ilhota have a grotto?
Yes. Behind the church there is a devotional grotto that you can visit along with the main church.
How long does a visit to the main church in Ilhota take?
Between 20 and 40 minutes is enough to see the church, the grotto and the river view.
How is the church connected to the name Ilhota?
The town is named after a small island that used to exist in the Rio Itajaí-Açu, near where the main church stands today, and that disappeared in the great floods of the past.