SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – Although Catedral da Sé is one of the main attractions in downtown São Paulo, few people know that a crypt is “hiding” seven meters below the altar floor, harboring the mortal remains of prominent figures in the city’s history.
The crypt of the Catedral da Sé celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019. In commemoration, the public will be able to visit the space for free and attend thirty musical concerts that began on Saturday, July 6th, and run until March 2020.
Designed by German architect Maximilian Emil Hehl, the crypt was inaugurated in 1919, while the city was still growing economically with the coffee boom. However, the First World War and the 1929 economic recession delayed the construction of the remainder of the cathedral. The church was inaugurated only 35 years later, in the celebration of the 400th anniversary of São Paulo, in 1954.
In addition to religious figures, the crypt also houses the remains of personalities such as Cacique Tibiriçá, considered the first citizen of São Paulo; Regent Diogo Feijó, who ruled the Empire while D. Pedro II was still a child; Father Gusmão, regarded as the inventor of the balloon; and the more recent figure of Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns, who had political significance in the defense of human rights.
Apart from the crypt, the concerts will also be held in the nave of the cathedral and at five other points that are not usually open to the public: the choir, the baptismal font, the piano room, and the Monsenhor Silvio hall.
Concertos 100 Anos da Cripta da Catedral da Sé (“Crypt 100th Anniversary Concerts in Catedral da Sé”)
Date: July 2019 to March 2020
Day: Saturdays at 4 PM
Public: from 80 to 120 seats
Admission: Free (1h advance pick up of tickets on site)
Complete program: www.concertoscripta.com.br