church · Gramado, RS
Igreja Matriz São Pedro Apóstolo
The original wooden chapel, from 1917, gave way to the current basalt stone church, which took eight years to build. Inside, the stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of the apostle Peter alongside Jesus.
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 Matriz São Pedro Apóstolo
Gramado's first church was a small wooden chapel from 1917, built on the initiative of D. João Becker. The current basalt stone church opened at the end of June 1942, near Saint Peter's Day, and is the main church of the São Pedro Parish. It stands in the center, on Avenida Borges de Medeiros, and has become one of the town's postcard images.
The walls are made of exposed basalt blocks, tens of thousands of them, laid one by one. It's the same dark stone you see in old walls and houses across Serra Gaúcha. The 46-meter tower is visible from many points in the center and is a landmark for anyone walking along Avenida Borges de Medeiros.
Inside, the nave is simple. The stained glass windows show scenes from the life of Saint Peter alongside Christ. The church is an active parish, with regular Masses, and visits are open and free outside service times. The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
In front, the churchyard has flower beds, with hydrangeas in summer, and life-size statues of the twelve apostles. During Natal Luz and other festive dates, the church and the square get special lighting, and the square becomes a gathering spot on New Year's Eve. Next door are the Rua Coberta and the Fonte do Amor Eterno (fountain), and you can see it all on the same walk. It's the most central point in town, and many walks around the center start or end there.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes, including the square in front.
Best time
In the morning, with light on the facade and the square empty. During Natal Luz, come back at night to see the lights.
How to get there
Avenida Borges de Medeiros, 2659, in the center. It's right next to the Rua Coberta; from anywhere in the center, walk.
Tip
Admission is free. Visits pause during Mass: if a service is underway, start with the Rua Coberta and come back later.
A look at the place
Igreja Matriz São Pedro Apóstolo 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 Matriz São Pedro Apóstolo
Is there an entrance fee for the church?
No. Visits are open and free outside Mass times.
What is the church made of?
Basalt stone, the region's dark stone, in tens of thousands of blocks laid one by one. The tower is 46 meters high.
When was the church built?
It opened in 1942. Before it, the town had a small wooden chapel from 1917.
Are there Masses?
Yes. It's the main church of the São Pedro Parish, with regular Masses. During services, tourist visits pause.