There are two institutions that have dark architecture many times used to scare its viewers: military establishments and churches. Oh how I wish I could have taken photos inside the oldest church of Brasil at the Complexo Feliz Luzitȃna, which is an entire complex that formed the cities first buildings: The Nativity Fort, House of the 11 Windows, the Cathedral and the Church of Saint Alexander (the oldest church).All of the carvings and sculptures of different saints and “nossas senhoras” (our sisters) and lets not forget Jesus himself, while they are intricate and amazing historical artifacts, are intimidating and strike fear within any onlooker. Then one walks over to the fort and the cannons there have the same type of effect. Early to mid-17th Century art and architecture is apparent here in Belém against any of the newer buildings, though mostly everything here is older. Below is the Church of Saint Alexander.
The church is no longer used as such but is strictly a museum and sometimes a classical music venue. There was an entire room filled with silver artifacts. Silver gauntlets, crowns, spoons, etc. -- all of the extravagances of the Portuguese Jesuits who forced the natives in Brasil, after training them of course, to carve and build the fortress, church and cathedral. The amount of carving and building that had to be done took almost twenty years to complete. Then they forced the natives to attend these churches for fear of punishment. Religion is a very dark part of human history and sadly by our choice continues to be — it has only caused death and tragedy. Below is the cathedral, which is currently under renovation so we could not enter.
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