cathedral · Lages, SC
Catedral Diocesana
Opened in 1922, it was built of orange-toned stone in the neo-Gothic style, on Praça João Ribeiro. The stained-glass windows came from Germany, and the high altar displays statues of Senhor dos Passos and Nossa Senhora das Dores (Our Lady of Sorrows).
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 Diocesana
The Catedral Diocesana Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres is the main church in Lages and the city's best-known landmark. It stands in the heart of downtown, on Praça João Ribeiro (square), and its two pointed towers can be seen from afar as you arrive through the central streets.
Construction began in 1912, with the arrival of the region's first bishop, Dom Daniel Hostin, following a design by a German architect. The work took about 12 years, and the church was consecrated on January 1, 1922. The bells arrived from the German city of Bochum on Christmas Eve 1920. In 1929, when the Diocese of Lages was created, the parish church became a cathedral. Today it is a heritage site protected by the State of Santa Catarina.
The neo-Gothic building is made of stone and stands out for its facade with a rose window, pointed arches and clock towers. Inside, notice the high altar, the stained-glass windows and the decorative paintings. The tree-lined square in front, with benches, is a good spot to take in the facade at your leisure.
The visit is easy and takes no physical effort: the entrance is at square level, with a few steps at the main door. Since it is a working church, Mass is held throughout the week, and visitors should respect the services.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour is enough to see the facade, go inside the church and stroll around the square in front.
Best time
On clear days, in the morning or late afternoon, when the light shows off the stone facade; in winter, it fits well with a walk downtown during the mountains' cold season.
How to get there
It is on Praça João Ribeiro (square), downtown Lages. If you are staying downtown, you can walk; by car, there is street parking nearby, and several city bus lines run through the central area.
Tip
Go outside Mass times so you can move around more freely, and check opening hours with the parish before you go; pair the visit with a walk through the historic streets downtown.
A look at the place
Catedral Diocesana 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 Diocesana
Is there an entrance fee at the Lages Cathedral?
No. Admission is free, as in any working church. Check opening hours with the parish.
When was the Lages Cathedral opened?
Construction began in 1912 and the church was consecrated on January 1, 1922. It became a cathedral in 1929, when the Diocese of Lages was created.
What style is the Lages Cathedral?
Neo-Gothic. The building is made of stone, with two pointed towers and a large rose window on the facade.
Where is the Lages Cathedral?
On Praça João Ribeiro (square), downtown. If you are staying downtown, you can walk there.
How long does the visit take?
About half an hour to see the facade, the interior and the square in front.