Igreja de Sao Bento
Igreja de Sao Bento
4

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles133 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
68
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
0

David D
Devon, UK20,544 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
Thursday 7th September and and we visited this Church which is in the centre of the Municipality of Ribeira Brava on the southern coast of the Island.

The old Church, which originally dates back from the 15th century, stands in a cobbled square along Rua Comachos.

The moment we entered the Church we were struck by it's size and spectacular grandeur. It could easily be summed up in one word, stunning.

There is the central aisle, leading up to the main altar. As we walked down the aisle we could not help but notice the two massive crystal chandeliers suspended from the curved panelled wooden ceiling

Set back in an arched recess, at the back of the Church, the main altar comprises of two altar tables set one in front of the other, with back one raised higher than the other one. Behind the tables there is an elaborate and ornately carved reredos, an ornamental panel behind an altar. This comprises of a small gold tabernacle which has the statue of a Saint standing above it in a large arched recess. This is surrounded by gilded pillars and a number of smaller recesses each filled with a statue. The screen is covered with intricate gilded carvings and topped with two carved golden angels.

The main altar is flanked on either side by a smaller side aisles, which are divided by Gothic stone arches.

To the left hand, when facing the main, there is another smaller altar. There is a big golden tabernacle with a large painting behind it, which appeared to be the birth of Christ.

Gilded carved pillars with ornate carvings stretching up to the arched wooden ceiling above, which has sculpted plaster work around it.

The altar one on the right hand side is not as ornate or as grand as the other two. It comprises of a number of statues surrounded by marble pillars.

There are several features of Manueline, Portuguese style architecture, including the stone baptismal font and the pulpit.

Around the walls of the Church there are a number of shrines, one is dedicated to Sao Bento and the other to the Virgin Mary. All the shrines have their own ornate style.

The main external feature of the Church is the tall whitewashed tower, the four corners are cladded with stone slabs. At the top of the tower there is a clock which stands under a curved concrete canopy. This all sits above the in bell shaped belfry containing the Church Bell. There are two arched windows below all that.

On the outside wall of the Church, to the left side of the main door, is a picture of the Virgin Mary, painted in blue on tiles.

In the pebbled courtyard outside the Church are statues of Saint Benedict and Padre Manuel Alvares.

A visitor could walk around the Church a number of times and find something different to see each time.
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Merrowmum
Guildford, UK1,284 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
This church is not as ornately decorated as some we have seen in Madeira, but is still attractive. The striking altar area is quite unusual and not like others we have seen; the wooden ceiling is beautiful!
There is a very cute little statue of a bishop? Saint? on one of the side areas… I can’t find out who he is, sadly!
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

manonspot
Larkhall, UK1,083 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
Stopped here as part of a tour and was told by guide this was built in the 17th century so had to have a look.First thing I noticed was that it has been very well looked after compared with the surrounding buildings which are in desperate need of repair.The inside of this church is delightful and had beautiful chandeliers,something you don’t see everywhere.I would have liked to know a bit of churches history but can look it up now that we’re home.
Written January 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

acorna
Vilnius, Lithuania4,465 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
Outside it is nothing special – the architecture is similar to most of the old Madeiran churches. However, it is worth to go inside. The interior is rich with paintings of Flemish origin and sculptural decoration and handicrafts made of precious metals. And the most stunning feature, almost incongruous, are two huge, glittery crystal chandeliers.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David D
Devon, UK20,544 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
Monday 21st June we were sightseeing and exploring in Ribeira Brava and we visited this gracious old Church, originally dating from the 15th century.

From the outside the bell and clock tower was a notable feature with it's diamond shaped blue and white tiled roof. Which is topped with a spherical object.

In the pebbled Churchyard in front of the Church are the Statues of Saint Benedict and Padre Manuel Alvares.

Insude the Church has three aisles, the main central one, the nave a smaller one on either side of it separated by high Gothic arches.

The main aisle leads down to a vast elaborately carved gilded altar which reaches up to the beautiful ceiling above it. The altar is flanked on either side by smaller, but no less ornate, shrines.

There were altars, shrines, statues paintings of religious images all around the Church, there was something to admire.

Magnificent large crystal chandeliers hang from arched ornate wooden panelled ceiling.

Running out of superlatives and and descriptive words to use about this Church.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KestasKS
Vilnius, Lithuania2,926 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Family
Go inside if in the village. Little and beautiful church. Chandeliers are quite special, besides intricate altars. Go.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Xamy
London, UK50 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We are resident here in Madeira ...we are visiting places from time to time, very cute church but nothing special
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bunnySouthport
Southport, UK945 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Lovely church which seems to be open all the time
Lovely statue of Christ on the cross at the front of this very ornate church
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wendyanddavid536
Solihull, UK2,214 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
A nice little church in a pretty village by the sea. Not much else to see or do, so the church is worth visiting, if only for a few minutes as you are passing through. Interesting paintings, modern wooden ceiling, fabulous crystal chandelier.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

klingoneddie
Pembroke, UK247 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Not a lot to see in this little town but the church is worth a visit.
Attractive entrance and pretty inside.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Igreja de Sao Bento, Ribeira Brava

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