Rio de Janeiro Cathedral: A Marvel of Modern Architecture

Name: Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
Address: 245, Rio de Janeiro, 20031-170, BR
Rating: 4.7

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Rio de Janeiro Cathedral: A Marvel of Modern Architecture

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian stands as a striking example of contemporary religious architecture. Designed by architect Edgar Fonseca, this conical structure, completed between 1964 and 1979, reaches an impressive height of over 246 feet and features a remarkable internal diameter of 315 feet. Known for its unique Mayan-inspired design, the cathedral's interior is adorned with four massive stained glass windows that soar over 200 feet high, flooding the space with vibrant colors during daylight and creating an enchanting atmosphere. With a capacity of 20,000 worshippers, it is one of the largest cathedrals in Brazil. Beneath the main area lies the Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra), showcasing an exquisite collection of religious artifacts, paintings, and sculptures, including historic baptismal fonts. At night, the cathedral’s illuminated silhouette becomes a centerpiece in Rio’s skyline, capturing the essence of faith and artistry.

Reviews

Diego Rodríguez

Mexico

Visiting the Catedral Metropolitana around Christmas was a fantastic experience. This stunning structure, inspired by Mexican architecture, showcases beautiful materials in its design. There's no entry fee, which is great, but it’s important to be respectful as it's a space for worship. Make sure to include this cathedral in your Rio de Janeiro itinerary.

Bianca Chen

China

This church visibly evokes the ancient pyramid of Chichen Itza. To me, it resembles a fusion of the Temple of Kukulcán and the Pantheon in Rome. It's an extraordinary structure with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows. Regular masses are celebrated here, and during Christmas, they feature a lovely nativity scene display.

Ricardo Silva

Brazil

Experiencing the cathedral was absolutely incredible. My family and I had a wonderful time. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the stunning architecture and the wonderful atmosphere. I would love to return to this site again.

María González

Spain

This church is lovely, even with ongoing renovations! Although we couldn’t explore the entire sanctuary due to a meeting or service happening, it was a great addition to our tour. Just a heads up, we needed to make a purchase to use the restrooms located nearby.

Carlos Mendez

Colombia

It's challenging to comprehend the thought process behind constructing such a structure. We've visited numerous central cathedrals in Europe and South America, and while their beauty is mesmerizing, I found this one quite disappointing. It resembles a cement cone from the outside, looking unfinished. Inside, it feels merely like a vast hall with a very high ceiling, accommodating many visitors without inspiring admiration. Unlike other grand cathedrals worldwide, this one left me feeling unmoved.