church · Caxias do Sul, RS
Igreja Nossa Senhora do Caravaggio de Ana Rech
Opened in 1917 on the hilltop of Ana Rech, it replaced an 1881 wooden chapel and has two towers and a wide staircase leading up to it. Residents helped build it by passing the materials hand to hand up the hill.
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 Nossa Senhora do Caravaggio de Ana Rech
The Igreja Nossa Senhora do Caravaggio is the main church of Ana Rech, a district of Caxias do Sul settled by Italian immigrants. It sits up high, in the center of the neighborhood, and its two towers can be seen from afar as you arrive.
The story begins in 1881, when Anna Rech, the pioneer the place is named after, donated land for a wooden chapel. The cornerstone of the current church was blessed in 1901. Work stopped in 1905, was resumed in 1907 by the Camaldolese monks and ended with the opening in 1917.
The design, inspired by Italian basilicas, was scaled back during construction and took on a Romanesque style, with the two towers standing out. The community helped build it: it's said that one hundred to two hundred people lined up to pass the bricks hand to hand.
A wide staircase leads up to the door, which takes some stamina. The visit is short and pairs well with a stroll along the Ana Rech route.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes, including the climb up the staircase and the visit to the church.
Best time
During the day, outside Mass times; on clear days, the towers on the hilltop are easy to see from many points in the neighborhood.
How to get there
It's in the center of the Ana Rech district, in Caxias do Sul (RS). From downtown Caxias, go by car, taxi or ride-hailing app; there's also the Ana Rech bus line and minibuses leaving from the center.
Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for the staircase and check opening hours before leaving downtown Caxias, since the district is outside the center.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Igreja Nossa Senhora do Caravaggio de Ana Rech
Where is the Caravaggio Church in Ana Rech?
In the center of the Ana Rech district, in Caxias do Sul, on the hilltop. The two towers help you find your way.
Is it the same Caravaggio Sanctuary as the pilgrimages?
No. The Santuário de Caravaggio of the big pilgrimages is in Farroupilha. This is the main church of Ana Rech, in Caxias do Sul.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, admission is free. Check opening hours before you go.
When was the church built?
The cornerstone was blessed in 1901 and the church opened in 1917. Before that, there was a wooden chapel there, from 1881.
Are there a lot of stairs?
Yes. A wide staircase leads up to the door, and the climb takes some stamina.