Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, also known as the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, is a modern Catholic cathedral in the center of Rio de Janeiro. It serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro and is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the city's patron saint. The conical structure, designed by Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, has a 96-meter internal diameter and rises 75 meters high. Inside, the cathedral seats 5,000 people and can hold up to 20,000 standing.

Don't miss

• Conical shape inspired by Mayan pyramid architecture
• Four rectilinear stained glass windows soaring 64 meters from floor to ceiling
• Spacious interior covering 8,000 square meters with seating for 5,000
• Dedicated to Saint Sebastian, patron saint of Rio de Janeiro

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

Cheapest way inEntrance to the Giant Roda of Rio de Janeiro4.8★ · 1,451 travelers20 minutesFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →Best full dayBest of Rio in One Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf & Local Lunch5★ · 4,922 travelers8-9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$173 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleParagliding in Rio de Janeiro5★ · 57 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$201 per personSee dates →

Getting there

A bit of history

The current cathedral was built between 1964 and 1979, replacing a series of earlier cathedrals. The most recent predecessor was the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel of the Ancient See (the Old Cathedral), built in the 18th century and declared Rio's cathedral in the early 19th century.