Don Bosco Chapel: A Lakeside Sanctuary

Located in Brasília's picturesque Lago Sul neighborhood, the Don Bosco Chapel is more than just a religious site; it's a tranquil haven embraced by nature. Also known as Ermida Dom Bosco, this chapel is dedicated to Saint John Bosco, an Italian saint who had a prophetic dream in 1883 of a new capital city arising in the New World, between the 15th and 20th parallels. This vision significantly inspired the construction of Brasília, and the chapel was built in his honor. The chapel's architecture, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, features a pyramid shape with a beveled base covered in white marble and topped with a metal cross. The surrounding ecological park invites visitors to explore vibrant greenery and well-maintained walking trails. It's an ideal destination for hiking and outdoor activities, offering quiet spots for meditation and reflection. The chapel provides a panoramic view of Paranoá Lake, enhancing its serene atmosphere. Inside, the chapel provides a sense of wonder. While the Santuario Dom Bosco is a fairly unremarkable concrete box from the outside, the interior is filled with heavenly blue light filtering through windows that cover virtually the entire walls - 2200 sq m in total. The windows of the Dom Bosco Shrine are made of small squares of stained glass in 12 different shades of blue with dots of white, designed by Claudio Naves and manufactured by Belgian artist Hubert Van Doorne in São Paulo. At night, a different spectacle of light dominates the interior: a huge golden chandelier made of 7,400 pieces of Murano glass by architect Alvimar Moreira. Open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM, the chapel welcomes early risers and those seeking the beauty of sunset. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the trails, and bringing water is advisable, especially on hot days. The Don Bosco Chapel harmoniously blends nature and spirituality, making it a must-visit destination in Brasília.