🏛️ Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro: History, Curiosities and Tips

An imposing landmark in the heart of Rio

Located in the center of Rio de Janeiro, the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião is one of the most iconic and surprising buildings in the city. With its conical shape that resembles a Mayan pyramid, it is impressive both from the outside and the inside.

🏛️ Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro: History, Curiosities and Visiting Tips

🌟 One of the biggest symbols of downtown Rio

Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião impresses not only with its grandeur, but also with its modern architecture and the light show provided by its immense stained glass windows. More than a religious temple, it is an unmissable tourist attraction that combines faith, culture, history and art.

📖 History of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro

• Built between 1964 and 1979 , it was designed by architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca , inspired by the Mayan pyramids.

• It replaced the old cathedrals of the colonial period.

• It is dedicated to Saint Sebastian , patron saint of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

• It has become one of the largest modern Catholic temples in the world.

Fun Facts You Need to Know

• The cathedral is cone-shaped, 96 meters high and 106 meters in diameter at the base .

• Its four stained glass windows are 64 meters high , forming a cross on the ceiling, through which natural light enters.

• It can hold up to 20,000 people standing up .

• In the basement, it houses the Museum of Sacred Art , with liturgical objects, images and historical documents.

What to Do at the Metropolitan Cathedral

• Admire the stained glass windows and all the internal and external architecture.

• Visit the Museum of Sacred Art .

• Photograph the space, both for its interior grandeur and its facades.

• Take advantage of the location to visit other historical sites in the Center, such as:

  • Lapa Arches

  • Selarón Staircase

  • Royal Portuguese Reading Room

  • Cinelandia

  • Salt Stone\

Useful Information

• Location: Av. Chile, 245 – Downtown, Rio de Janeiro – RJ.

• Opening hours: Daily, from 7am to 5pm.

• Entrance: Free (Museum may charge a symbolic fee).

• Access: Close to Cinelândia and Carioca subway stations.

• Duration of visit: Between 30 and 60 minutes.

💡 Tips for your Visit

• Visit in the morning to enjoy the effect of the stained glass windows in the sunlight.

• Combine it with a guided tour of the Historic Center and Lapa.

• Bring water, especially on hot days.

• Keep an eye on your belongings, as it is a very busy area.

🚩 Include the Cathedral in your Tour with Rodrigo Indio Tours

We offer complete tours that include the Cathedral and other historical and cultural landmarks of Rio. Our tour transforms your visit into an experience full of stories, curiosities and connection with the Carioca culture.

During the tour, we will stop to visit and photograph the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião , one of the city's most impressive architectural landmarks.

At this stop you can:

• Take photos of the cathedral from the outside and inside, capturing its unique conical architecture

• Admire the 64-meter-high stained glass windows , which create a spectacle of light inside the temple

• Learn more about the history of the cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, Saint Sebastian

The Cathedral is a true symbol of faith and modernity, and provides striking and meaningful photos.

✨ Come with me to live another day as an Indian in Rio de Janeiro!