With a simple, old-fashioned design and many preserved features, São Benedito Church is an important 18th-century structure close to Cabo Frio’s historic center. It has a white façade with touches of baby blue adorning its doors, windows and other fixtures. Make your way around the urban heart of the town surrounding this church for a glimpse into the area’s history and culture.

Snap photos of the quaint frontage, comprising a pointed pediment and a bell tower, which is topped by a dome and a wind vane. Light red tiles line the sloped roof, which can be seen from the side of the chapel. Stroll around the sides of the structure to see the range of exotic vegetation growing here.

Walk through the light blue door to enter the main hall of this small chapel. Among the main attractions inside this ecclesiastical structure is the Baroque golden décor surrounding the altar. Sit at one of the dark wooden pews and enjoy the serenity in this tranquil church. Attend one of the Mass services in the church to get a sense of the local character and community bond.

Wander along the cobbled lanes branching off from the adjacent Passagem Plaza. Relax on one of the benches that decorate the edges of this spacious pedestrian area. Trees and bushes provide shade to keep you cool on hot afternoons.

The parish office is open to the public Monday through Friday from morning until early evening. It is also open on Saturdays until noon and the church is free to enter at all times.

São Benedito Church is located at the southern end of the Passagem Plaza in the old town district of Passagem, which is in the northeastern area of Cabo Frio. It is just to the west of the Itajuru Channel, before the water reaches the Atlantic Ocean. See some of the other nearby sights, including Japanese Island, the Carlos Scliar Workshop House and the São Mateus Fort.