Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (Catedral de São Sebastião)
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, widely known as the Catedral Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, is the seat of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. Designed by architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, it broke ground in 1964 and was completed in 1979, replacing the 18th-century Old Cathedral as the principal Roman Catholic church of the city. Its conical form, inspired by the stepped pyramids of the Maya, makes it one of the most recognisable modernist religious buildings in Latin America.
The structure rises about 75 metres with an internal diameter of 96 metres, giving an open, column-free interior that can hold roughly 20,000 people standing and around 5,000 seated. Four monumental rectilinear stained-glass windows soar some 64 metres from floor to ceiling, flooding the vast concrete interior with coloured light and drawing the eye upward to a luminous cross. A small sacred-art museum in the basement preserves items linked to the Brazilian imperial family and the history of the local Church.
Dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, the cathedral anchors the city's Catholic life and hosts major archdiocesan liturgies, ordinations and civic religious events. Centrally located near the Lapa district and the Carioca metro, it is a frequent stop for visitors exploring downtown Rio, who come to admire its bold geometry and vivid glass. The cathedral remains an active place of worship while also serving as one of the city's most visited architectural landmarks.
- Location
- -22.9108, -43.1807
- Local time
- 19:39 (America/Sao_Paulo)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sat | 07:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 07:00–13:00 |
Free entry; hours may change during Mass and special liturgies.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Saint Sebastian Saint
Patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, to whom the cathedral is dedicated.
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Saint Peter Saint
Apostle and first pope, venerated in the universal Church.
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Our Lady of Aparecida Saint
Patroness of Brazil, widely honoured in Brazilian cathedrals.
Care & donations
Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro
Donations and offerings accepted on-site and via the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro.
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