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Olinda Cathedral: History and Architecture

The Olinda Cathedral, also known as the Church of Saint Saviour of the World, is located in the Historic Site of Olinda and occupies a prominent position in the city’s landscape.

As well as being the first religious building constructed by the Portuguese on their arrival in the Captaincy of Pernambuco, the church rises from the top of a hill and enjoys a privileged view of both the historic site and the neighbouring city of Recife.

History and architecture of Olinda Cathedral

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Reportagem Catedral da Sé em Olinda03:14

Documentário da Catedral da Sé Olinda03:01

See also Tourist attractions in Olinda PE.

1. Religious festivals and the patron saint

The month of August is dedicated to the patron saint, Saint Saviour of the World, and religious festivals are held in his honour.

2. Foundation and first buildings

Founded in 1540 as the Matriz do São Salvador, the church is the oldest religious temple in the city of Olinda, marking the Portuguese presence in northeastern Brazil.

The original construction was simple, made of wood and rammed earth, with a structure consisting of a nave, chancel and sacristy.

3. Architectural evolution and renovations

The church has been renovated and extended several times. In 1584 it already had three naves and side-chapels. The vault of the choir was then designed and the nave, sacristy and bell tower were enlarged, the work being completed in 1621.

4. Effects of the Dutch invasion

With the Dutch Invasion in 1630, the church was partially destroyed in the fire of 1631, but continued to be used for Catholic worship, as evidenced by the works of the painter Frans Post.

Reconstruction of the church began in 1656, after the Pernambuco Restoration, and was completed in 1676, when the church was elevated to cathedral status.

5. Changes over time

In 1740, Portuguese tiles were introduced on the side walls of the nave, although they no longer exist. In 1911, the church underwent a remodelling that radically changed its interior decoration, main façade and volumetry, completed in 1919, following the design of the architect Rodolfo Lima, who opted for the Neo-Gothic style.

6. Recent restorations

Between 1974 and 1978, the church underwent its most extensive restoration, coordinated by the architect José Luiz da Mota Menezes. This intervention was based on historical and archaeological research, resulting in the current appearance of the temple.

7. Heritage loss and conservation

Although renovations and interventions over time have led to the loss of many important heritage items, the church still retains an architectural design and historical significance that is unique to Olinda. Many valuable items such as tiles, carvings and paintings have been lost or given to museums.

8. Architectural aspects of Olinda Cathedral

8.1 Style and structure

The church of São Salvador do Mundo follows an Italian Mannerist style, with a three-nave structure. The main nave is wider and stands out from the side naves, which are bordered by large arcades. The main nave also has a wooden ceiling with a barrel vault.

8.2 Side chapels and ornamentation

There are four deep chapels on each side of the nave. The church has no narthex or choir, nor tributaries on the side walls. The floor of the church is tiled and the roof of the three naves is reinforced concrete, with the side naves having sloping wooden ceilings.

8.3 Lighting and special details

The main nave receives natural light through openings in the ceiling and an oculus on the main facade, providing a bath of light on the high altar. The transept of the church contains the remains of D. Hélder Câmara, former Archbishop of Olinda and Recife.

8.4 Main chapel and sacristy

The present Chapel is simple, unadorned and has a domed roof. Its highlights are the Crucifix and the wooden Armchair. The Sacristy is large and well decorated, with rosewood furniture and a marble washbasin.

8.5 Main facade and bell towers

The main façade was designed on the basis of iconographic records from the 19th century and shows architectural symmetry and balance. The bell towers are tall, with elements of neogothicism.

History and architecture of Olinda Cathedral

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 01/05/2023 · Updated on 15/04/2025

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