Santuario Dom Bosco
Distrito Federal
The Dom Bosco Sanctuary, officially known as Santuário São João Bosco, is a prominent Catholic church located in the Asa Sul area of Brasília, Brazil. Dedicated to Saint John Bosco, the city's second patron saint, the sanctuary is renowned for its modernist architecture combined with Gothic-inspired elements, designed by architect Carlos Alberto Naves. Constructed between 1963 and 1970 by the Salesian Congregation, the church is especially famous for its 80 towering columns and twelve shades of blue stained glass windows created by Belgian artist Hubert Van Doorne. These windows, over fifty years old, are a defining feature and attract thousands of visitors annually. The sanctuary also houses exquisite bronze and iron doors depicting scenes from Dom Bosco's life, a large Murano glass chandelier symbolizing Christ as the light of the world, and statues carved from Carrara marble. The surrounding landscaping was designed by the celebrated Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Officially designated a sanctuary in 2017, it holds a relic of Dom Bosco in a crypt beneath the church. Recognized as one of Brasília's seven cultural wonders, the Dom Bosco Sanctuary is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural and architectural landmark.
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Tip: Visit the sanctuary during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more contemplative atmosphere. Consider booking guided tours in advance to learn about the rich symbolism of the stained glass and artworks. The sanctuary occasionally runs fundraising campaigns for stained glass restoration, so check their official website for current events and donation opportunities. Early morning visits offer beautiful natural light through the blue windows. The church is accessible by public transport and located in the central Asa Sul district of Brasília.
Interesting facts
- •The sanctuary's stained glass windows feature twelve shades of blue and were created by Belgian artist Hubert Van Doorne.
- •The central Murano glass chandelier weighs two tons and is made up of 7,400 pieces, symbolizing Jesus Christ as the light of the world.
- •The sanctuary was elected one of the Seven Wonders of Brasília's Cultural Heritage in 2008 by the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals (IBOCC).
- •The bronze and iron doors display bas-reliefs depicting the life of Dom Bosco and his prophetic dream about Brasília.
- •The landscaping outside was designed by Roberto Burle Marx, a renowned Brazilian landscape architect.
History
The Dom Bosco Sanctuary was constructed from 1963 to 1970 by the Salesian Congregation, inspired by a prophetic 19th-century dream of Saint John Bosco foretelling the creation of Brasília.
Designed by Carlos Alberto Naves, the church reflects modern architectural principles with Gothic motifs, particularly in its window openings.
Although the church existed for decades, it was only officially recognized as a sanctuary in 2017 when it received a relic of Dom Bosco.
Over the years, the sanctuary has become one of Brasília's most iconic religious sites, celebrated for its unique design and spiritual significance.
Place Guide
Stained Glass Windows1963-1970
These 80 columns hold the famous blue stained glass windows in twelve different shades, designed by Hubert Van Doorne. They create a mystical blue ambiance inside the sanctuary, a hallmark of its architectural identity.
Bronze and Iron Doors1963-1970
The sanctuary's doors are divided into three sets of four panels, featuring bas-reliefs illustrating moments from Dom Bosco's life and his prophetic dream of Brasília, crafted by Gianfrancesco Cerri.
Murano Glass Chandelier1963-1970
A massive chandelier weighing two tons and standing 3.5 meters tall, made from 7,400 Murano glass pieces, symbolizing the light of Christ. It is lit only during ceremonies or special occasions.
Marble Altar and Statues1963-1970
The altar is carved from a single piece of marble, accompanied by statues of Dom Bosco and Our Lady Help of Christians made from Carrara marble. The altar cross is a cedar sculpture by Gotfredo Tralli.
Crypt and Relic of Dom Bosco2017
Located underground, the crypt houses a relic of Dom Bosco-a piece of his right arm bone-placed there in 2017, alongside a life-sized statue of the saint.
Landscaping by Roberto Burle Marx
The sanctuary's exterior features landscaping designed by the famous Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, enhancing the site's aesthetic and spiritual atmosphere.
