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Cathedral of Stone in Canela

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Stone Cathedral in Canela, officially named the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, is a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture in southern Brazil. Construction began in 1953, using large blocks of basalt stone which gives the building its distinct grey, fortress-like appearance. The central tower rises to a height of 65 meters, making it a visible landmark across the city of Canela in the Serra Gaúcha region. Inside, the cathedral features three large bronze bells cast in Germany and intricate wood carvings by the Flemish artist Guilherme Alfonsus. Each night, the exterior of the church is illuminated with a colorful synchronized light show, attracting numerous visitors and photographers. The cathedral serves as both a spiritual hub and a major tourist attraction, showcasing the strong European cultural influences prevalent in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Its combination of massive stone masonry and delicate stained glass windows creates a unique aesthetic.

Location: Brazil
Top sights: Cascata do Caracol · Floresta Nacional de Canela · Parque Estadual do Caracol
Nearby: Caxias do Sul (43 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	22	20	16	14	13	15	16	19	20	23
Rain mm	135	116	116	107	121	120	156	125	163	168	126	123

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Cathedral of Stone in Canela is open daily to visitors. Services are held regularly, and the church can be visited outside Mass times.

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Typical hours

The cathedral typically opens in the morning at 7:30 am and closes around 6:00 pm. During services, tourist access may be briefly restricted.

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Photography

Photography inside is allowed without flash to protect the artworks. The colorful stained glass windows are best photographed in daylight.

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Time needed

A visit to the cathedral takes about 30 minutes if you want to admire the architecture quietly. For a thorough exploration including the surroundings, allow one hour.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a walk through the photogenic town of Canela. Parque da Ferradura is just a short drive away and provides nice hiking trails.

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Getting there

The cathedral is located in central Canela, easily reachable on foot. By car, there is ample parking in the area.

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Insider tip

Visit the cathedral during a service to experience the organ music in full acoustics. Evening masses are often especially atmospheric.

Geography

Coordinates

-29.36220, -50.81440

Facts

The construction of the cathedral started in 1953.
The main spire reaches a height of 65 meters.
The exterior is clad in local basalt stone blocks.
It houses a carillon of 12 bronze bells from Germany.
The interior features art by the Flemish sculptor Guilherme Alfonsus.
A nightly light show was inaugurated as a tourist attraction in 2010.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Snowland Gramado7 km · SExplore →

Gramado Zoo10 km · SWExplore →

Caxias do Sul43 km · SExplore →

Porto Alegre66 km · SWExplore →

Cambara do Sul78 km · NExplore →

Bento Goncalves79 km · SExplore →

Valley of the Vineyards (Vale dos Vinhedos)84 km · SExplore →

Lagoa dos Patos117 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cathedral of Stone in Canela (16)

Cascata do Caracol 📍 landmark

Magnificent 131-meter-high waterfall surrounded by dense forest.

Floresta Nacional de Canela🌿 nature

National forest established in 1968 featuring native araucaria trees.

Parque Estadual do Caracol 🌳 park

Nature park with trails leading to an impressive 130m-high waterfall.

🌐 parquedocaracol.com.br

Dreamland Museu de Cera 🏛 museum

Museum featuring lifelike wax figures of world stars and celebrities.

🌐 dreamland.com.br🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-18:00

Catedral de Pedra 📍 landmark

Cathedral built in Gothic style using local basalt stone.

🌐 mitranh.org.br🕒 Mo-We, Fr-Su 08:30-11:30, 13:30-17:30

Mundo a Vapor 🎡 recreation

Theme park showcasing the history of steam engines with working models.

🌐 mundoavapor.com.br

Space Adventure Canela 🏛 museum

Space museum with interactive exhibits and original NASA artifacts.

American Old Trucks 🏛 museum

Collection of restored classic American heavy trucks.

🌐 web.facebook.com

Eu Amo Canela 🏺 historical

This colorful landmark sign is a popular spot for tourist photographs, expressing local pride for the city of Canela.

Monumento à Integração do Cone Sul 🏺 historical

This sculptural monument celebrates the cultural and economic integration of South American nations in the Cone Sul region.

Monumento das Mães 🏺 historical

Located in a central square, this bronze monument pays tribute to the role and significance of mothers in the community.

CTG Estrela Serrana 🎭 culture

This community center preserves Gaucho culture through traditional folk dance performances and typical regional festivals.

Gazebo Cultural 🎭 culture

This creative hub hosts art workshops and cultural exhibitions within a peaceful garden and wooden gazebo setting.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-12:00, 13:30-22:00; Sa 08:00-12:00

Fundação Cultural de Canela 🎭 culture

This cultural institution promotes local arts, music, and historical research to preserve the heritage of Canela.

Igreja Universal ⛪ religious

This modern evangelical church serves the local community with frequent services in a large contemporary hall.

Parque das Corredeiras📍 landmark

This riverside park features natural rapids on the Santa Maria River, popular for ecological walks and summer bathing.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most striking feature of the Stone Cathedral?

Its Gothic architecture and basalt stone facade are very impressive.

When does the light show take place?

Every evening the church is spectacularly illuminated, often accompanied by music.

In which city is the cathedral located?

It is located in the center of Canela, Rio Grande do Sul state.

Is there an entry fee for the cathedral?

Entry to the main area of the church is free.

Can you climb the tower?

Yes, there is a museum in the tower that has a good view of the city.

Cathedral of Stone in Canela: where is it located?

Cathedral of Stone in Canela is located in Brazil.

Cathedral of Stone in Canela: what is there to see?

Highlights include Cascata do Caracol, Floresta Nacional de Canela, Parque Estadual do Caracol.

Cathedral of Stone in Canela: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

Cathedral of Stone in Canela: why is it worth visiting?

The Stone Cathedral in Canela, officially named the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, is a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture in southern Brazil.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Cathedral of Stone in Canela

Best time to visit & climate