Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro is a modern concrete structure with a distinctive conical shape located in the city center. Inside, four large stained glass windows rise along the walls, allowing natural light to flood the interior space.

Construction began in 1964 and lasted about 15 years, creating an entirely new religious center for the city. This building replaced earlier cathedrals that had served the community since the 1600s.

The cathedral serves as a gathering place for Catholic worship and celebrations throughout the year. Visitors can observe how the community uses the space for prayer and religious observances.

The cathedral is open to visitors every day and allows exploration of the main interior and basement areas. Comfortable shoes are recommended since walking through the entire space takes time.

The church was inspired by pyramid designs and features an unusual round base that sets it apart from traditional church buildings. This design creates a large open interior space without columns, allowing clear sightlines to the altar from anywhere in the building.

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Inception: 1979

Architects: Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca

Architectural style: modern architecture

Height: 75 m

Length: 106 m

Width: 106 m

Made from material: concrete

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 07:00-17:30

Phone: +552122402669

Website: https://catedral.com.br

GPS coordinates: -22.91092,-43.18071

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:01