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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
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • lisajlb
    Westhoughton, United Kingdom1,461 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Different to most Cathedrals
    I 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 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 26, 2023
  • Reservarlden
    London, United Kingdom1,643 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a look
    The 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 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 9, 2024
  • AlexSwallow
    Sheffield, United Kingdom1,652 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the most unique- and amazing- cathedrals I've ever been to
    So 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 14, 2024
  • Steve D
    Divonne-les-Bains, France849 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Certainty doesn’t look lie a cathedral
    A 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 28, 2024
  • Vicki
    London, United Kingdom709 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic & 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 17, 2024
  • Gopi D
    180 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful church inside and outside
    Beautiful 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 25, 2024
  • Rachel G
    60 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unlike 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 30, 2024
  • Dawnie
    London, United Kingdom17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    San Sebastián Cathedral. Rio de Janeiro
    As 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 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 14, 2024
  • Tom G
    San Diego, California241 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Metropolitan Cathedral is a work of art
    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.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 23, 2024
  • Skeney57
    Sydney, Australia25,011 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brutalist Architecture
    You 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,784 reviews
Excellent
1,311
Very good
1,045
Average
345
Poor
57
Terrible
26

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

Jake
Minneapolis, MN122 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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!
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

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The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, Rio de Janeiro

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