The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
With architecture inspired by the Mayan pyramids of Mexico, the conical shape is believed to give proximity to God. Four stained glass windows run from floor to ceiling forming a cross at the top. Acoustics are "heavenly" here!
Duration: < 1 hour
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro
Downtown Rio is the place where this city was born. With modern skyscrapers sharing space with historical buildings and landmarks, this neighbourhood is living proof that the old and the new can live together harmoniously. As you would expect, downtown is where all major companies house their offices. However, the region isn’t restricted to businesses. Gems such like the “Paço Imperial,” which is a cultural centre that used to serve as a residence for governors of Brazil, can be found here. Pedra do Sal, a Monday night street party, is also in this neighbourhood. This landmark is the birthplace of samba and is famous for its “roda de sambas” (“dance circles”). Stop in for one and get closer to discovering where Brazilian happiness comes from.
How to get there
- Carioca • 6 min walk
- Cinelândia • 7 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
2,139 within 3 miles
Attractions
681 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- lisajlbWesthoughton, United Kingdom1,461 contributionsDifferent to most CathedralsI try to visit a Cathedral in every main city I visit. This reminded me of the Wigwam in Liverpool UK. On the outside, a 70s design that is not beautiful by any stretch of the imagination. Inside though, the stain glass windows are impressive.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 26, 2023
- ReservarldenLondon, United Kingdom1,643 contributionsWell worth a lookThe unique cathedral in Rio Centro is well worth a look. Not your typical looking cathedral. Step inside and amaze your eyes at the structure and the incredible stained glass windows, No admission charge and plenty of seating.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 9, 2024
- AlexSwallowSheffield, United Kingdom1,652 contributionsOne of the most unique- and amazing- cathedrals I've ever been toSo pleased we visited the cathedral! It is near the downtown station for the Santa Teresa tram (round the corner from the Lapa arches). It is difficult to describe as I have very little to compare it to, you just have to go! So much more interesting and impressive than I had imagined.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 14, 2024
- Steve DDivonne-les-Bains, France849 contributionsCertainty doesn’t look lie a cathedralA very modern looking building which apparently was inspired by Apollo 11. Frankly not to my liking as am more a traditionalist and prefer a cathedral to like the part. Also I felt the concrete structure looked in need of a major clean up. Inside was more pleasing to the eye and the glass cross in the ceiling was impressive. Best of all for me was the four stain glass ‘stripes’ cascading down to the floor level.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 28, 2024
- VickiLondon, United Kingdom709 contributionsIconic & Beautiful Building!What an experience! Visited this cathedral as part of a walking tour. The structure is out of this world and it looks like an upside down cone! The 4 floor to ceiling stained glasses inside are stunning in different colours depicting different things. It is peaceful & massive inside and the altar too is beautiful. Don’t forget to look at the ceiling as well, Highly recommended!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 17, 2024
- Gopi D180 contributionsBeautiful church inside and outsideBeautiful church not only from outside but also from inside. This church is different in that it does not have the influence of European churches. When we went there, a service was in progress and all the clergies, nuns etc. were dressed in beautiful white robe and it was very nice to witness that. You must visit if in Rio.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 25, 2024
- Rachel G60 contributionsUnlike any cathedral I've seen!Very beautiful cathedral! Was impressive from both the outside and inside. My husband and I didn't do any tours, so we got here by uber. Some of the surrounding area didn't seem too safe, so I'm glad we opted to uber from Sugarloaf (was like $5USD). It did take a while for another uber to pick us up after (15 minutes or so) to head to the steps after. This cathedral was unlike any I've seen before! Was very impressive and big. Was a very quick stop for us, but was fun!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 30, 2024
- DawnieLondon, United Kingdom17 contributionsSan Sebastián Cathedral. Rio de JaneiroAs other people have said, you don’t need to do a tour to get into the cathedral. There isn’t an entrance fee. Again like other people I just got an Uber there. The cathedral is an unusual shape and has the stunning stained glass windows. It lacks the idolatry of Catholic Churches and Cathedrals, but I think, is all the better for it. I found it to be a very moving experience. I am sure it doesn’t matter what, if any, religion you practice, you would find it a calming place just to sit and reflect. Enjoy 😊Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 14, 2024
- Tom GSan Diego, California241 contributionsMetropolitan Cathedral is a work of artThe spectacular Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is just a few blocks away in the City Center. This cone-shaped modernist cathedral was designed by architect Edgar Fonseca and constructed between 1964 and 1979. He used streamlined, reinforced concrete columns to provide an unobstructed interior space. It contrasts with the more ornate, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles of traditional cathedrals. Its 106-foot-high nave creates an impressive sense of space, enhanced by a bronze crucifix centered above. We were inspired standing to the side, marveling at the angles, color in the stained glass, and sense of peace in a space that can hold 20,000 worshippers. Guided tours are available.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 23, 2024
- Skeney57Sydney, Australia25,011 contributionsBrutalist ArchitectureYou either love it or hate it! I must admit I didn't rate it on the outside view but once I'd been inside it grew on me? The Cathedral only dates back to 1979 but its design and structure are pretty interesting. Plain concrete left to weather and the interlocking 4 stained glass panels are very special, highlighting the cross at the dome. Well worth a quick visit and the bell tower is a good touch! All round a stunning example of a modern take on what is normally an ancient & gothic building in most cities.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,784 reviews
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1,311
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1,045
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345
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57
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26
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Jake
Minneapolis, MN122 contributions
Feb 2020
My wife and I took a walking tour in downtown Rio. I was surprised that the church was not on the tour. Once we finished up the tour, I suggested to go inside and check it out before taking the subway back to Copacabana. We were both a little tired and a bit let down with our walking tour, so we honestly didn't go to the church with higher hopes than to just sit down and relax. The church was apparently designed after once of the indigenous civilizations (Mayan I believe) and you can definitely tell. The main door is wide open for people to come in and out of which was very cool. I have been to churches in Europe and none are open like that. There were lots of cool colors too. We just walked in and sat down and relaxed for a bit and stared at the walls and the ceiling. the four walls come together on the ceiling to form a cross which was very cool. We even prayed a little bit while we were there. After about 10 minutes, we took off. We always like going to churches in other countries so we were glad we went.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trekkieboots
Dublin, Ireland753 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This is probably the most unorthodox Cathedral I've visited. It is a break from the norm in terms of architecture with these hugh stain glass windows on each of its 4 sides. They shed beautiful light inside. The comb shaped sides are open, letting in air and some light.
30 minutes here unless you're attending Mass, could do this in a tour id strapped for time, but it is one to see!
30 minutes here unless you're attending Mass, could do this in a tour id strapped for time, but it is one to see!
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
THE TRAVELLER
Malaga, Spain13,541 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
A ubiquely designed cathedral built along the lines of a Mayan pyramid. Conical design with sweeping full height stained glass windows joining to a ckear glass cross at the top. The alignment is designed to get visitors to look up to god as they enter- it works !! Free entry with donation boxes.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wesley C
Tucson, AZ10,283 contributions
Oct 2019
Most Rio sightseeing tours include the beautiful, modern Metropolitan Cathedral. Construction started in 1964 and it opened in 1979. Its unique conical shape stands 248 ft high and has no internal columns. 4 beautiful stained glass windows stretch 197 ft to the ceiling. Seating capacity of 5,000 -- 20,000 standing. Contains relics of Our Lady of the Nazarene and Sao Sebastiao. Definitely worth a visit.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenM1_10
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1,042 contributions
Feb 2023
Since we arrived during Carnival, we could not visit the interior of the Cathedral. The outside looked like a pyramid. Our guide mentioned that it was completed in the 1970s and holds 20,000 people. I googled the cathedral when we returned home, and it looks breathtaking inside. I would have this at the top of my list if we returned to this city.
Written May 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nattan Maia
Fortaleza, CE46 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
The Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro has always fascinated me with its monumental architecture. Viewed from close or far, the cathedral impresses with its curved shapes. In the interior, the beauty completes with colorful glass windows that bath the environment of a gentle and multicolored light. Despite not being Catholic and having little connection with religion, I felt welcomed and excited by the grandness and beauty of the space. Even on a weekday, the cathedral was busy, with people praying, meditating or simply admiring the architecture. The atmosphere was serene and inviting to reflection. For me, the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Sebastian is more than a religious temple. It is a sacred work of art that enchants the eyes and touches the heart, regardless of personal beliefs or convictions. I recommend the visit to all those who appreciate architecture, art and spaces that convey peace and tranquility.
Automatically translated
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davidworldtraveller
Sydney, Australia19 contributions
May 2019
The cathedral is unusual in its brutalist form. ithas striking towering stained glass windows and is quite dark inside. definitely Brazilian and making a bold statement visited just after Rio won their Olympic Games bid. so disregard the date below
Written April 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom G
San Diego, CA241 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The spectacular Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is just a few blocks away in the City Center. This cone-shaped modernist cathedral was designed by architect Edgar Fonseca and constructed between 1964 and 1979. He used streamlined, reinforced concrete columns to provide an unobstructed interior space. It contrasts with the more ornate, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles of traditional cathedrals. Its 106-foot-high nave creates an impressive sense of space, enhanced by a bronze crucifix centered above. We were inspired standing to the side, marveling at the angles, color in the stained glass, and sense of peace in a space that can hold 20,000 worshippers. Guided tours are available.
Written April 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh-Traveler2015
Birmingham, AL1,270 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
It’s not a beautiful cathedral. It’s very unusual. The reason I gave it a 3 was due to a couple of interesting statues inside and out. Unless you’re really into seeing more churches, skip this and spend more time at another attraction or activity.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wynn R
Morgan Hill, CA2,364 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This was an unexpected pleasure that was included in our tour from C2Rio. The outside resembles a Mayan pyramid. The interior includes four enormous stained glass walls and a roof that forms a cross of light.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Me desculpa visitei a igreja para apreciar somente a arte , porque a igreja e uma verdadeira obra de arte.
Written April 7, 2017
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