St. Sebastian Cathedral, Ribeirão Preto

St. Sebastian Cathedral sits at the center of Ribeirão Preto and dominates the plaza with its solid stone facade. Large stained glass windows light the interior with colored reflections, while the space inside features ornate columns, intricate woodwork, and religious sculptures throughout.

Construction began in 1904 and finished in 1909, replacing an earlier church that had suffered structural collapse. This new building marked a turning point in the expanding city's religious and architectural development.

The cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop and hosts regular worship for the local faith community. Its interior is maintained with candles, flowers, and religious decorations that change with the ecclesiastical calendar.

The cathedral is located on Praça das Bandeiras and welcomes visitors daily, allowing for self-guided exploration or participation in organized tours. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is better for observing the interior, as these times tend to have fewer worshippers present.

The building holds CONDEPHAAT status, a preservation classification that protects its early 20th-century architecture and grounds from modification. This official recognition means any structural changes require approval to keep the monument intact for the future.