church · Antonina, PR
Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
With a main chapel opened in 1715 and expanded several times, it is among the oldest churches in Paraná and was the original core of the settlement. Listed by the state in 1999, it is on Praça Coronel Macedo, in the historic center.
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 Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Pilar is Antonina's main church and one of the oldest churches in Paraná. It stands on top of a small hill in the historic center, by the bay, with a good view of the town and the surrounding water.
Its story begins with local women's devotion to Nossa Senhora do Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar). Permission to build the chapel was granted in 1714 and the main chapel opened in 1715, built by enslaved labor. The settlement grew up around it and became a parish in 1719. Over the centuries, successive renovations enlarged the church. In the early days, only white people could attend Mass there, which led to the building of the Igreja de São Benedito, also in Antonina.
The church was listed by Paraná's Cultural Heritage office in 1999 and is part of the Centro Histórico de Antonina, listed by Iphan in 2012. That same year, the Diocese of Paranaguá made it a sanctuary. The festival of Nossa Senhora do Pilar, in August, is one of the most traditional on the Paraná coast.
The visit is quick and pairs well with a walk through the historic center, with its mansions, the Theatro Municipal and the pier. The climb up the stairway and the palm-lined churchyard are part of the outing; if you have difficulty walking, be ready for the slope and the steps.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Between 20 and 40 minutes, longer if you stay to enjoy the view or attend Mass.
Best time
On clear days, in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the view of the bay is prettiest; in August, the patron saint's festival livens up the town.
How to get there
It is on Praça Coronel Macedo, in the historic center of Antonina, a few steps from the Ruínas do Armazém Macedo (ruins) and about 400 meters from the pier. From downtown, walk there. From Curitiba, you reach Antonina via the BR-277 and PR-408 or via the Estrada da Graciosa.
Tip
Pair the visit with a walk through the historic center and finish at the bayside. Dress appropriately to enter the church and respect Mass times.
Official website
A look at the place
Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Pilar 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 Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
Is there an entrance fee at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Pilar?
No. It is a working church and the visit is free. Check opening hours and Mass times before you go.
How long does the visit take?
20 to 40 minutes. You can combine it with a walk through the historic center.
Can I walk there from downtown Antonina?
Yes. The church is right in the historic center, on Praça Coronel Macedo, near the Ruínas do Armazém Macedo and the pier.
How old is the church?
The main chapel opened in 1715. The church was expanded several times afterward and is among the oldest in Paraná.
When is the Nossa Senhora do Pilar festival in Antonina?
In August. It is a traditional religious festival in the town; check that year's program with the parish or the town hall.