Where It's Located
The Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple is being constructed at the intersection of Avenida Antônio Marçal and Rua José Brandani in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. The temple will sit at an elevation of approximately 2,011 feet (613 meters) above sea level. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Ribeirão Preto is an important city in the interior of São Paulo state and is known as a major economic and agricultural center. Its location makes the future temple especially significant for Latter-day Saints living outside the São Paulo metropolitan area.
Getting There
Travelers from the United States will generally reach Ribeirão Preto through Leite Lopes Airport (RAO), which provides domestic connections to other Brazilian cities. International travelers can also fly into São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and continue to Ribeirão Preto by air or ground transportation.
Ribeirão Preto is located in the interior of São Paulo state, surrounded by agricultural areas and rolling countryside. The city is a substantial distance from Brazil's Atlantic coast, giving visitors an opportunity to experience a very different side of the country from destinations such as Rio de Janeiro.
For Latter-day Saint travelers, the future temple can also be incorporated into a broader trip through the state of São Paulo.
A Bit of History
The Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson on October 2, 2022, during the October 2022 General Conference. It became the 18th temple announced for Brazil. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
At the time of the announcement, Brazil had approximately 1.5 million Latter-day Saints organized into more than 2,100 congregations. The Church already had temples operating or under construction in several major Brazilian cities, but the new temple would bring temple worship closer to members living in the interior of São Paulo state. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The announcement was part of a major period of temple expansion in Brazil, reflecting the country's large Latter-day Saint population and the geographic distances that can make temple attendance challenging.
Temple Site and Design
The temple site was announced on November 28, 2022. Plans call for a single-story temple measuring approximately 32,000 square feet (2,973 square meters). (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The official exterior rendering was released on January 8, 2024, providing the public with its first detailed look at the planned building. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The temple will feature a single attached central spire, giving the building the recognizable silhouette associated with many modern Latter-day Saint temples.
Groundbreaking and Construction
Groundbreaking and site-dedication services were held on June 22, 2024, with Elder Joni L. Koch, then serving as president of the Brazil Area, presiding. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Construction is now well underway.
The temple's central spire frame has been installed, while crews have been working on exterior cladding and landscaping. Interior work has also progressed, including decorative painting and installation of light fixtures. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The project is therefore moving from its structural phase into the detailed finishing stages that will prepare the building for eventual operation.
Inside the Temple
The Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple is planned to contain two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
These facilities will allow local members to participate in the sacred ordinances performed in Latter-day Saint temples once construction is complete and the temple is dedicated.
Because the temple is still under construction, the interior is not open to the general public.
Brazil's Expanding Temple Network
The Ribeirão Preto Temple is part of an extraordinary expansion of temple access throughout Brazil.
Brazil is geographically enormous, and its population is spread across a number of major metropolitan areas and regional population centers. For many Latter-day Saints, attending a temple has historically involved significant travel.
The growth of temples throughout Brazil is gradually changing that. Operating temples are now located in cities including São Paulo, Campinas, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro, while additional temples are being constructed or planned in other parts of the country. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Ribeirão Preto's location in the interior of São Paulo state will make it an important regional temple once completed.
Visiting Ribeirão Preto
Although the temple is not yet open, Ribeirão Preto itself can be an interesting destination for travelers exploring São Paulo state.
The city is particularly known for its role in Brazil's agricultural economy and for its production of sugarcane and other agricultural products. It is also a regional center for business, education, healthcare, and culture.
Visitors interested in exploring beyond Brazil's major coastal destinations can use Ribeirão Preto as a gateway to experiencing the interior of São Paulo state.
Once construction is complete, the Church is expected to announce a public open house, giving members and other visitors an opportunity to tour the temple before its dedication. The open house and dedication dates have not yet been announced. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
What to Watch for Next
The Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple is already well into construction, so several important milestones are ahead:
- Completion of the exterior cladding
- Completion of the central spire
- Continued interior finishing
- Completion of landscaping
- Final construction and inspections
- Announcement of the public open house
- Announcement of the dedication
- Opening of the temple for regular ordinance work
The public open house will be an especially exciting milestone because it will allow the local community to see the completed interior for the first time.
Final Thoughts
The Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple represents another important step in the remarkable expansion of temple worship throughout Brazil.
Its 32,000-square-foot design, central spire, and prominent location in the interior of São Paulo state will make it an important regional landmark. More importantly, the temple will bring sacred temple ordinances closer to Latter-day Saints who have historically needed to travel much farther to attend a temple. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
With construction already well advanced and the spire frame in place, the temple is beginning to take on its finished appearance. Although the open house and dedication dates have not yet been announced, the project is steadily moving toward completion.
For Latter-day Saint travelers from the United States, a future trip to the Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple could offer the opportunity to combine temple worship with an exploration of Brazil's fascinating interior and the culture and landscapes of São Paulo state.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
broughmade.com
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