Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, 18th-century Catholic church in Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo is an 18th-century church in Centro with a stone facade, tall windows, and a curved pediment. The decorated portals contain religious medallions that were crafted by sculptors from Lisbon.
The building became Rio de Janeiro's Royal Chapel after 1808, serving as the venue for ceremonies with the Portuguese royal family, including Queen Maria I's funeral in 1816. This period linked the church closely to royal authority and official functions.
The interior features Rococo woodwork by master craftsman Inácio Ferreira Pinto, with gilded carvings and religious sculptures throughout the nave that reflect the artistic values of colonial Rio de Janeiro. These decorations were created to honor religious devotion through skilled craftsmanship.
The church holds regular services and welcomes visitors during its open hours, with QR codes available for digital donations and information about worship times. Plan your visit around service schedules and observe respectful conduct while inside.
This church witnessed the coronations of both Brazilian emperors, Pedro I and Pedro II, making it the only site in South America where such imperial ceremonies took place. These events gave the building a singular role in the continent's political history.
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