The amethyst church: the history of Igreja Matriz São Gabriel
Some churches are famous for their frescoes, their tiles or their stained glass. Igreja Matriz São Gabriel, in Ametista do Sul (RS), is famous for its rock: the interior is lined with more than 40 tonnes of amethyst druses, which make the walls, columns and altar glow purple. It is presented as the only church in the world lined with precious stones, and no other like it is known.
The church is the heart of the world capital of amethyst and the stop that moves visitors most on our November expedition to Ametista do Sul and Derrubadas. It is worth learning its history before you step inside.
A church with the town's old name
The story begins with a change of name. The settlement that gave rise to the town was called São Gabriel (a capitel, a small wayside chapel, was built there around 1945, and the community grew around it). When the time came to become a municipality, on 20 March 1992, the name São Gabriel already belonged to another town in Rio Grande do Sul, a much older one. The district then took the name of its wealth: Ametista do Sul. The parish church, however, kept the old name: São Gabriel.
The church you visit today was inaugurated in 2008, already designed with its future role in mind: the town's postcard image. And what makes it unique is not its architectural design, but its lining.
40 tonnes of amethyst from floor to altar
Ametista do Sul lives from the stone: the first druses appeared in the fields between the 1930s and 1940s, and mining turned the district into the centre of the largest amethyst-bearing province in the world, together with neighbouring Artigas department in Uruguay. That wealth is what clothed the church.
More than 40 tonnes of druses cover the interior. The details take shape in paintings of biblical scenes, and even the baptismal font is mineral: a single 500 kg geode. In the sanctuary, the stones are piled up like a purple cascade behind the altar. Visitors who enter for the first time often stop a few steps beyond the door: the effect is of standing inside a giant geode.
The panoramic tower with a lift
Beside the church stands the panoramic tower, with a lift up to the viewpoint. From the top, the view takes in the town of low roofs and the basalt hills of north-west Rio Grande do Sul, and it helps you grasp the size of the amethyst region. For those who prefer not to climb stairs, the lift solves the problem: accessible for our 60+ travellers.
Amethyst in the Church's tradition
The purple of São Gabriel is no accident in the Catholic tradition. Amethyst is known as the "bishops' stone": since the Middle Ages, bishops have worn an amethyst ring, alluding to sobriety and to the liturgical purple of seasons of preparation such as Advent and Lent. The colour the town draws from the ground is the same one that has clothed churches and ministers for centuries.
And for those who enjoy symbolism: the word amethyst comes from the Greek amethystos, "that which does not intoxicate". Greeks and Romans carved cups from the stone, believing it prevented excess wine. In the church, the stone of temperance became a wall.
What the visit is like with our group
The church is in the town centre, and the visit is part of the second day of the expedition, along with the mines, the giant-stone museums and the underground winery. There is no rush: there is time for photos, for sitting on the pews and for the local guide to tell the stories of the church. Entry is included in the package, as are all the stops on the itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Which church in Brazil is lined with amethyst?
Igreja Matriz São Gabriel, in Ametista do Sul (RS), with more than 40 tonnes of amethyst druses inside: walls, columns and altar.
When was the church built?
The current church was inaugurated in 2008. The name São Gabriel comes from the first name of the settlement, which became a municipality named Ametista do Sul in 1992.
Is there another church like this in the world?
No other church lined with precious stones is known. The description as the "only one in the world" comes from the town itself and from local tourism.
Does the visit involve stairs?
The church is accessible, and the panoramic tower has a lift. The group itinerary respects each traveller's pace.
Can I visit the church on a coach trip from Porto Alegre?
Yes. The Novembro 2026: Ametista do Sul e Derrubadas expedition departs from Porto Alegre on 27 November and includes the church, with entry ticket and local guide.
A church that could only exist there
São Gabriel is proof that, in Ametista do Sul, even faith is lined with amethyst. Seeing these walls lit up at close range is one of those moments that stay with you, which is why the expedition stops there with time to spare. Reserve your place via WhatsApp and see the full itinerary at /expedicao/novembro-2026-ametista-do-sul-e-derrubadas.
The world is waiting for you. We take care of the rest.
