The Calm of Saint Nicholas Catedral Ortodoxa Sao Paulo

Although perhaps rather unexpected in a Latin American city, the Saint Nicholas Catedral Ortodoxa Sao Paulo is a haven of calming atmosphere amidst the perpetually busy streets of bustling Sao Paulo. In a place where the Franciscans and Jesuits staked their claim of religious territory centuries before, it can be a bit unnerving to see the steeples of an Orthodox Church rise up between the towering skyscrapers – and yet, it leaves a visitor rather intrigued. What is this church, and why is it here in Sao Paulo?

The Catedral Ortodoxa Sao Paulo was constructed in the mid-20th century, and decoration of the church took many, many years – with some finer details only being completed around the year 2000! The Russian Orthodox community wanted their place of worship to be perfect, and although this meant that on occasion, restoration work had to be done alongside newly placed décor, the church is finally complete today for both worshipers and visitors to enjoy the spectacular and lovingly crafted house of God.

Some portions of the church enjoy a bit of the 18th century Rococo style, however it is not overdone – but being the main administrative location for Orthodox worship, it has quite a bit of its own luxuriousness. The inside of the Catedral Ortodoxa Sao Paulo is decorated with vibrantly colored religious icons, complemented by dark, softly-lined furniture. The air is deeply scented with spicy incense that instantly calms the nerves, making the church a valuable place to just stop, rest, and take a break from the busyness of the world outside.

Perhaps even more incredibly, the church sits on its own little plot of land between towering office building, and yet retains its own surrounding garden space. The flowers and bushes are tended in circular patterns reminiscent of the Orthodox appreciation for symmetry and aesthetically pleasing décor, while only steps away, the Paradiso subway station transports visitors and locals around the city as they move about their business.

The Catedral Ortodoxa Sao Paulo is located at Rua Tamandare 710, but it is a good idea for visitors to keep in mind that services may interrupt potential visiting hours, and thus it is recommended to familiarize one’s self with these times before making your way to the church. Typically, the church is open during the day from Monday to Saturday, making it an ideal location to simply escape from the hassle of the day, if only for a few moments to sit, breathe deeply, and find peace in from the busy and beautiful city outside.

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