A legacy of the Jesuits and located in the Pátio do Colégio (Pateo do Collegio), the São José de Anchieta Church is one of the jewels of São Paulo’s historic center, which is now opening its doors to host the fascinating Candlelight São Paulo concerts.
The contrast between the serenity of the church and the effervescence of the city center makes these concerts even more special, a real breath of art and contemplation in the midst of routine. Close to the Sé metro station, there are also parking lots around Pátio do Colégio, so there’s no excuse not to experience a bit of São Paulo’s history.
Facts and curiosities about the São José de Anchieta Church
1 – The beginning of everything, the legacy of the Jesuits
Pateo do Collegio is the place where the city of São Paulo was officially founded on January 25, 1554. On the same day, Jesuit priests Manuel da Nóbrega and José de Anchieta, along with other religious, celebrated the first mass in the church.
In 2014, Blessed José de Anchieta was canonized by Pope Francis and the church was named after one of its founders , São José de Anchieta.
2 – The church’s architecture tells its story
Over the course of more than four hundred years, the simple wattle and daub church gave way to the contours of colonial architecture, undergoing countless restorations and reconstructions.
And then, only in the 1970s, was the church finished as we know it today, full of details that allude to the Baroque and the famous Portuguese tiles of the colonial period. The simplicity of its architecture, in contrast to the imposing modern buildings that surround it, completes the charm of this place.
3 – The Jesuit College of São Paulo
In 1765, the old school became the first Palace of the Governor of São Paulo and in 1932 it was the headquarters of the Department of Education, until 1953 when it was completely demolished.
Candlelight concerts at the São José de Anchieta Church
Of great historical importance, the São José de Anchieta Church and Pátio do Colégio are also points of connection between the past and the present, spaces for celebrating art and culture. These walls, which have witnessed centuries of history, provide a unique and intimate atmosphere with the soft light of thousands of candles that illuminate the Candlelight São Paulo concerts.
What else can you do at the São José de Anchieta Church?
As well as the fascinating Candlelight São Paulo concerts, in the Pateo do Collegio complex you can visit the Anchieta Museum and the Crypt of the São José de Anchieta Church.
In all of them you can learn about the history of the founding of the city and admire relics from colonial Brazil. Don’t miss the Temporary Exhibition Room and the Pateo Garden.
If you’re thinking of going to Mass, check out the schedule of Masses at the São José de Anchieta Church here: Tuesday to Friday at 12 noon (With organ) and Sunday at 10 a.m. (With organ and participation of the Schola Cantorum).
The union between the music of the Candlelight concerts and the serenity of the church offers an incomparable experience, where history and art meet in harmony. It is a living testimony to the fact that, even in a city in constant transformation, there are places where time seems to stand still to give way to all the charm of classical music.