church · Bento Gonçalves, RS
Igreja São Bento
Built in the 1980s in honor of the Italian immigrants, the church is shaped like a pipa, a barrel used in winemaking. Inside are stained glass windows, a wooden altar and pews decorated with bunches of grapes.
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 São Bento
The Igreja São Bento is Bento Gonçalves's wine-barrel-shaped church. Opened in 1984, it was built in honor of the Italian immigrants who settled the region in the late 19th century and made grapes and wine the main activity of Serra Gaúcha.
The building is all concrete and shaped like a pipa (wine barrel), with a large cross on the facade. It holds up to a thousand people. The four doorways also resemble barrels, and the same design appears on the Pipa Pórtico, at the entrance to the city.
Inside, the theme continues: a wooden altar and doors, colorful stained glass and pews decorated with bunches of grapes. The church is next to Praça Achyles Mincarone, a well-kept green space where the Monumento ao Imigrante stands.
The visit is quick and free, and pairs well with a stroll around the center. Since it's a working church, please respect the silence and the Mass times.
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 next to it.
Best time
Any time of year, during the day, within opening hours; on sunny days, the colorful stained glass looks its best from inside.
How to get there
It's at Rua Xingu, 610, in the São Bento neighborhood, next to Praça Achyles Mincarone, in the urban area of Bento Gonçalves. You can get there by car, taxi or ride-hailing app and include the stop in a tour of the center.
Tip
After seeing the church, cross Praça Achyles Mincarone to see the Monumento ao Imigrante. Check opening hours before you go, because the church closes in the middle of the day.
A look at the place
Igreja São Bento 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 São Bento
Is there an entrance fee for the Igreja São Bento?
No. The visit is free.
Why is the church shaped like a wine barrel?
It's a tribute to the Italian immigrants and to grape and wine production, the region's main activity. The pipa is the barrel used to store wine.
What's inside the church?
A wooden altar and doors, colorful stained glass and pews decorated with bunches of grapes.
How long does the visit take?
About half an hour, including the church and the square next to it, with the Monumento ao Imigrante.
Where is the Igreja São Bento?
At Rua Xingu, 610, in the São Bento neighborhood, next to Praça Achyles Mincarone, in Bento Gonçalves.