The Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro (Portuguese: Catedral Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro or Catedral de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro), built between 1964 and 1979, is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro.
With a standing-room capacity of 20,000 people, its 106 metres internal diameter and its 96 metres high outstand because of its conical structure. The main door is composed of 48 bronze plaques with bas-reliefs that cover topics related to faith. The cathedral’s beauty lies in its interior, where four vivid color rectilinear stained glass windows soar 64 metres (210 ft) from floor to ceiling over the walls in the four cardinal points, allowing the sunlight to be projected in stunning different colors, depending on time of the day, which gives the church a beautiful natural lighting and a mystical atmosphere.
In the basement, the Sacred Art Museum has a collection of sculptures, murals, artwork, and fonts used to baptize the princes of the Portuguese royal family.
The cathedral has a conical form to symbolize the equidistance and closeness of people in relation to God. And the light that spreads the fourth arms of the cross, which dominates much of the roof and has its extension in the stained glass windows, symbolizes God descending and coming against the man.
Address: Avenida Republica do Chile, 245 – Centro – Rio de Janeiro
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday, from 7 am to 5 pm.
