Metropolitan Cathedral

Dedicated to St. Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio, this unique and modern cathedral, built in 1964, drew inspiration from the architectural style of Mayan pyramids, but with a conical shape to represent the equidistance and proximity of people to God and the conical miters bishops use in ceremonies. ​ It’s 315 feet In diameter and rises 246 feet into the air. There is seating for 5,000 people and a capacity of 20,000 people for standing room. The most notable feature are the four 210 feet tall rectilinear stained glass windows that rise from floor to ceiling that represent the four fundamental characteristics of the church: One: Color green represents unity of the church Holy: Color red showcases sanctification Catholic: Color blue of the church’s mission to save men Apostle: Color yellow representing the Catholic Church’s hierarchy. In the center, a cross with Jesus in the center hangs above the main alter with six steel cables supporting it. The ceiling also has a cross made of transparent material allowing light to shine down. There is a sacred art museum underneath the museum that one can pay to visit. NOTE: Make sure to get here before 5, since that’s when they close; however, when I visited, they were open until 6. But just to be sure, one should visit beforehand.
James - 2 months ago

Interesting architecture for a cathedral. It's unique and different as it doesn't look like a church in any way from outside. The crucified Christ statue inside is hung on strings with metal balls in string which give the rosary look. Lot of space to sit. The adoration chapel is behind the altar. The mosaic on the walls and the windows have spaces to light the church naturally using sunlight in summer. There is a bell tower nearby with six bells on each floor of it, ringing every hour until 6PM.
GIRUBA BEULAH SE - 2 months ago

A giant cathedral that looks kinda cool from the outside and inside but actually only takes about ten minutes to go through. It is slightly different from many of the other cathedrals in Europe but at the end of the day there’s nothing super special. At least they don’t require you to buy some tickets to enter as admission is free
Allen Lin - 4 months ago

Another place that will be included in that tour for one day in Rio. Also it's free the entrance, it has a capacity for over 5k+ people!! Amazing! Also, its structure is quite interesting, if you take a look outside you wouldn't think that is a Catedral! Inside decoration is gorgeous.
David Robles - 5 months ago

This cathedral is one of the best examples of modernist architecture in the Americas. The massive interior space glows with the mosaics of stained glass and a soft breeze blows across the pews. Even though it is a catholic church, it looks like other Christian denominations also come here to worship.
Iván Montejo - 5 months ago