church · Guapimirim, RJ
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Soberbo
Built in 1713 beside the old road that climbed the mountains, it has been listed as a state heritage site since 1989. The small colonial chapel is within the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos and still holds religious services.
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 Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Soberbo
The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Soberbo is a small single-nave chapel inside the Guapimirim headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, known as Parnaso. It stands on a small island between two branches of the Rio Soberbo, surrounded by forest with the mountains in the background.
The pediment bears the date 1713, but the chapel's age is debated: historical research suggests the current building is much more recent, from the 19th century. In 1989, it was listed by Inepac, the Rio de Janeiro state cultural heritage institute. You reach it along the old bed of the railroad that linked the Piedade pier to Teresópolis.
The visit is short: you can see the simple facade, the side porch and the surrounding lawn, which makes a good stop before or after the park's trails and pools. The chapel still holds religious services.
It is a relaxed outing to combine with the Centro de Visitantes Museu von Martius and a river swim at the same headquarters.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes is enough to see the chapel and its surroundings; fit it into your visit to the park's Guapimirim headquarters.
Best time
In the morning, on a clear day, when the light falls on the facade and the mountains appear in the background; in summer, combine the visit with a river swim.
How to get there
It is inside the Guapimirim headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (national park), at km 98 of the BR-116 (Rio–Teresópolis), at the start of the climb into the mountains. By car, enter through the headquarters gate and continue to the chapel area, near the Rio Soberbo.
Tip
Take your time and respect the space: it is a listed heritage site still used for services. Before you go, check the visiting rules for the Guapimirim headquarters on the park's official website.
Official website
A look at the place
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Soberbo 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 Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Soberbo
Where is the chapel?
Inside the Guapimirim headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, at km 98 of the BR-116 (Rio–Teresópolis), on a small island between two branches of the Rio Soberbo.
Does the chapel really date from 1713?
The date 1713 is on the pediment, but historical research suggests the current building is from the 19th century. The chapel has been listed by Inepac since 1989.
Is there an entrance fee?
The chapel is inside the national park. Check the access rules for the Guapimirim headquarters on Parnaso's official website.
How long does the visit take?
About 15 minutes. You can combine it with the Museu von Martius and the Rio Soberbo pools at the same headquarters.
Is Mass still held at the chapel?
Yes, the chapel still holds religious services. Ask at the park about the dates.