Its a very different cathedral compared to the great amount of places I have seen. The architecture is very unique, using a pyramidical style, creating step like sides to create an illusion of a stairway to heaven. Genius bell tower built separate in 7 floors, one for each musical note. Inside you can appreciate some beautiful vitrines with very colourful glass work. Toilets are quite decent.

Wow wow wow what a beauty. The architecture is beyond imaginable. The way it's build is jaw dropping you must visit here if you are in Rio. The Sunday service was beautiful. The colors of the stained glass on the widows is just magical. We were just blown away by this location we have been to many cathedrals but the architecture on this one is not anything I have seen before.

What an interesting cathedral! It is so strange from the outside that you can't wait to see what's inside and when you do it's quite a scene. The stained glass is lovely and it's so cool and quiet there, though as is typical, people often aren't as respectful and reverent as they should be in a church.

I spotted the cathedral in the distance when I was at an art gallery, and I knew I had to come and visit this mysterious pyramid in the middle of the city. It is a very impressive building. It's nice to see something different to other cathedrals. There was no service when I entered, so I was able to sit down and rest my feet for a little bit while I enjoyed the design of the stained glass. There is a mini christ the redeemer outside.

This beautiful church is free entry! Located in the heart of Centro! It is not hard to find! Souvenirs are on-site and there is no wifi inside but you are able to roam the entire church!

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.

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.

Amazing structure, beautiful architecture. Looks like a pyramid from outside, huge and beautiful inside. Not only does it has a unique design, it is very functional, lots of space, the many breathable holes on the walls create light breeze that you feel comfortable sitting in there even on a hot day without fans or air conditioners

The cathedral is located in the city center. The building has a conical shape with an internal diameter of 96 m and an external diameter of 106 m. Height is 75 m. Up to 20,000 people can be accommodated inside. The length of the rectangular stained glass windows reaches 64 m.

A modern Church that is constructed in the form of a Mayan Pyramid. iIs exterior and interior are both breath taking. I would definitely recommend you to go there.

This place is beautiful and has so much history behind it. In the stories I’ve been told by locals about this place makes me just want to stay there and enjoy the view even more.

Nice Mayan-inspired cathedral. Stained glass panels inside the church form a cross on the ceiling. Jesus is skillfully hung from the ceiling. Free to visit, and you can take as many photos as you want. Not a lot of tourists here. Statues inside are nice. Pews traditional and wooden. Quick visit while in Rio, well worth seeing.

When you see this cathedral on the city skyline, it’s imposing to say the least. Nevertheless, once you’re inside, it’s absolutely breathtaking! Wow! Floor to ceiling stained glass as well as an atrium roof which displays a cross. We arrived just before closing time but the caretaker let us sneak in under the premise we were there for a last minute prayer rather than taking photos 😏

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.

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

Beautiful and very large church! The structure will have great sound. Free to get in. R2 to use the bathroom outside of the church.

Engineering Wow. That provides 20k people a place of worship. Fantastic 4 stained glass windows run up each direction of the wall(N.E.W.S).

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.

This was an awesome experience! What an absolute outstanding feat of engineering! Beautiful stained glass and wonderful pieces of history inside. Please read about why this building is special! A great stop even if you're not religious. Highly recommended. Thanks,

Visited the Catedral while in Rio and was mesmerized! This building has a pyramid like structure with natural lighting and acoustics! The stain glass paintings are beautiful and the statues in and around the building are amazing. This is definitely the largest cathedral I have ever been in and is worth the time!

Beautiful and super unique church. Right next to a lovely street market! Make sure not to head to the Basilica instead as they have the same name on some maps.

The unique design of this Catholic Church, envisioned by architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, sparks intrigue with its inspiration from the Apollo Project's ships or Mayan pyramids. The bronze reliefs on the main door, depicting the theme of faith, add a distinctive touch. Noteworthy are the two chandeliers by Niccola Zanotto in the Chapel of the Most Holy, enhancing this unconventional cathedral.

It is a really weird design! It is very different from what you would expect from a traditional Catholic church!

Wonderful place in Rio. Inside is much beutiful than looking from outside. The church has a peace of important part of the City history. It is fast and close to many others important places to go.

Such a marvel of architecture. The surrounding square is worth experiencing too.

Simply breathtaking . I am an atheist but churches like this do something to me : they bring me inner peace . On a hot ,sultry day in downtown Rio this was a very welcome haven .

Breathtaking. An absolute must see when visiting Rio - it would be like visiting Barcelona and not visiting La Sagrada Familia!

Stunning Cathedral, definitely recommend for a short visit

Am I in Las Vegas or a Catholic Cathedral? I could help but think I was at the Luxor Las Vegas when visiting here. It's not that spiritual and not worth an out of the way trip to visit. But if you're in the area it's quick and free maybe worth a visit.

This immense cathedral of modern architecture is a wonderful stop to visit and see. Reverence is needed as working services are often underway. It is unique but very artistic and aesthetically pleasing and the adjacent bell tower is also very interesting.

One of the most unusual modern cathedrals in the world, it was completed in 1979 and can hold up to 20,000 people. It was inspired by the Mayan architectural style. Awesome stained glass windows are 64 meters from floor to ceiling, and the entire structure 75 meters high. You might want to capture 3 windows at once with the white cross on the ceiling.

Such a unique and intricately designed building. The glass work is impeccable. A real marvel. Something to see if you are ever in Rio de Janeiro!

Hugely underrated! Get inside! Prepare to be blown away as soon as you see the interior!

This cathedral has to be one of your must see places in Rio, it can hold up to 20k people.

Visited this place as this was included in Rio day Tour package around 300 Reais. Structural marvel and beautifully designed interiors with glasses. After a hectic day of travelling you may want to visit this for peace and silence. Please 🙏 Like if you find this helpful.

Beautiful architecture inside and out. Please remember this is a church. Do not use flash photography and try not to make any conversation noise. Be respectful. You can see this tourist attraction in 5-10 minutes. Free entry.

We went there before the pandemic in August 2019. It is a beautiful catholic catedral. The inside and outside is such a wonderful sight.

Very impressive construction and definitely worth having a view from the inside. There you can see how colorful the cathedral is 😃

Interesting Cathedral to visit, very different in design to older ones. Looks like a temple from the outside, stained glass windows light up the interior. Free to visit in downtown Rio.

Don't let the Soviet or nuclear looking outside deter you from going inside. The inside is quite beautiful, unique, and peaceful feeling. Its a different take on how to produce a spiritual atmosphere.

Beautiful modern church that is free to enter. There are 4 columns of stained glass. The architects were amazing here! The feat of engineering to design this very unusual building is astounding! It is a simple church and if you have the time then stop and check it out.