Downtown Rio
Metropolitan Cathedral
From the outside it looks like a concrete pyramid. Step inside, and four walls of colored glass rise to a cross of light in the ceiling.
- Official name
- Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
- Construction began
- 1964
- Height
- About 75 m
- Capacity
- Up to 20,000 people
A modern cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio. It was designed by the architect Edgar Fonseca, and its construction began in 1964. The cone, about 75 metres tall and 106 metres wide at the base, is often compared to a Mayan pyramid.
The stained-glass windows
Four stained-glass windows, each more than 60 metres high, run from the floor to the ceiling, where they meet in a cross. Each has its own main color, and as the sun moves, the light fills the interior with color.
Tips for your visit
Entry is free. The cathedral is an active church, so visitors are asked to be quiet and respectful, especially during Mass. It stands in the center of Rio, close to the Lapa Arches and the Selarón Steps, which makes it easy to visit them together.
Visiting with Marcio
The cathedral is a stop on the Best of Rio in One Day. Marcio explains its unusual design and the meaning of the windows, and makes sure you see the interior at its best.
Is it free to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral?
Yes, entry is free. It is an active church, so visitors are asked to be respectful during services.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 20 to 30 minutes inside.
