church · Cáceres, MT
Catedral de São Luiz
Begun in 1919 with a design inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris, it was only completed in 1965, after structural problems and the architect's death. The style mixes Gothic and Neo-Gothic elements.
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 Catedral de São Luiz
The Catedral de São Luiz is the main church of Cáceres and one of the city's postcard views. It stands on Praça Barão do Rio Branco, in the historic center, and is dedicated to Saint Louis of France, the city's patron saint.
Construction began in 1919, with a design by a French architect inspired by the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. The work took a long time: part of the structure collapsed in 1949 and the church was only finished in 1965.
The highlight is the facade with Gothic and Neo-Gothic lines, two towers, pointed-arch windows and a rose window in the center. In front stands the Marco do Jauru, and the tree-lined square completes the scene. Buried inside is Dom Máximo Biennés, the bishop who saw the work through to completion.
The visit appeals to anyone who enjoys architecture, history and religious tourism. The cathedral is still active, with Masses and the traditional Festa de São Luiz, honoring the city's patron saint.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour, including the facade, the interior and the square with the Marco do Jauru.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the low sun lights up the facade and the heat eases; in the dry winter the sky is usually clearer for photos.
How to get there
It is on Praça Barão do Rio Branco, in downtown Cáceres, about 600 m from the bus station. You can walk from downtown. Cáceres is about 220 km from Cuiabá on the BR-070.
Tip
Admission is free. Respect Mass times and check visiting hours with the parish before you go. To photograph the whole facade, step back to the middle of the square.
A look at the place
Catedral de São Luiz 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 Catedral de São Luiz
Was the Cáceres Cathedral inspired by Notre-Dame?
Yes. The design, by a French architect, was inspired by the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, with Gothic and Neo-Gothic lines on the facade.
How long did it take to build the Catedral de São Luiz?
Construction began in 1919 and only ended in 1965, after part of the structure collapsed in 1949.
Where is the Catedral de São Luiz in Cáceres?
On Praça Barão do Rio Branco, in the historic center of Cáceres (MT), facing the Marco do Jauru.
Is there a fee to visit the Cáceres Cathedral?
No, admission is free. Check visiting hours with the parish and avoid walking around during Mass.
Who is the patron saint of Cáceres?
Saint Louis of France, to whom the cathedral is dedicated. The patron saint's festival is one of the city's main religious celebrations.