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The Metropolitan Cathedral in Rio de Janeiro

Officially called the Cathedral of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral, is a monumental construction that surprises a lot. On the outside, its peculiar conical pyramidal shape makes it unique and, on the inside, its impressive stained glass windows produce a truly fascinating light effect. It is undoubtedly the most outstanding monument in downtown Rio.

Despite the antiquity of the city and the leading role it has played throughout the history of Brazil, the modern Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro that we see today is the first cathedral as such that the one known as the Wonderful City.

The role of Catholic Cathedral Church was attributed over the years to different churches such as the Iglesia do Morro do Castelo, the Iglesia de Santa Cruz dos Militares and the Iglesia Nossa Senhora do Carmo. It was only in 1964 when the first stone was laid for the definitive construction of a cathedral for Rio.

Located in the financial heart of the city and easy to distinguish from all its viewpoints, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro leaves no one indifferent. Work of the architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, the numbers of the gigantic church are impressive: 75 meters of external height, 106 meters of external diameter and 96 meters of internal diameter, four magnificent stained glass windows of 64.50 x 17.80 x 9, 60 meters each, and a capacity for 20,000 people standing or 5,000 seated.

To achieve an even more overwhelming effect, the upper part of the gigantic cone is topped by a huge transparent cross from whose sides the brightly colored stained glass windows seem to sprout that are oriented to the four cardinal points, so the effect of natural light to any time of day, it is almost magical. The light that penetrates through the great cross and the stained glass windows produces a spectacular effect

But not only its stained glass windows give majesty to the Cathedral of Rio, but also the large number of works of art that it possesses.

Its main door is called the Porta da Fé, and it is decorated with 48 bronze bas-reliefs, the interior sculptures as well as several paintings are the work of Humberto Cozzo and the large chandeliers in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament belong to Nicola Zanotto.

At the top of the Sacristy, a large platform can house a choir, an orchestra and an organ. The bronze sculpture of Pope John Paul II, in the garden in front of the main door, was the work of Mario Agostinelli.

Museum of Sacred Art

Located in the basement of the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, there is a Museum of Sacred Art, which contains an important collection of objects of high historical-religious value.

Among the most outstanding pieces of this museum are the baptismal font used for the baptism of the princes of the royal family, the throne of Don Pedro II, last emperor of Brazil and the Golden Rose given by Pope Leo XIII to the princess Isabel to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the country. You can also see a large sample of painting, sculpture, furniture and religious clothing, as well as pieces referring to the two visits that Pope John Paul II made to Rio de Janeiro in 1980 and 1997.

Check activities available in Rio de Janeiro

We have a complete list of activities and excursions to enjoy Rio de Janeiro. One of these activities is the Carnival Experience, to learn more about the amazing Carnival of Rio de Janeiro

Other amazing activities in Rio de Janeiro

City Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Sugar Loaf

Visit to Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Tijuca Forest

Jeep Tour to La Rocinha & Tijuca Forest

Ginga Tropical Dinner Samba Show

Enjoy our tours to visit Rio de Janeiro and other destinations in Brazil

Are you looking for tours to visit Rio de Janeiro and other destinations in Brazil? One of my favorites is the #453 – Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Iguazu Falls. Check more information by clicking in the image below