The Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro
The Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião in Rio de Janeiro is one of the city’s most significant religious and architectural landmarks. The cathedral was designed by modernist architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, who drew inspiration from a Mayan pyramid for its construction. The architect adhered to the principles of the Second Vatican Council of 1963 when creating the design. These principles aimed to restore the simplicity of early Christianity while embracing contemporary architectural forms and artistic freedom.
The construction was inaugurated in 1976 by the Cardinal at the time, Dom Eugênio Sales. Its cornerstone was laid on 20 January, 1964, Saint Sebastian’s Day, by Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara. The first Mass was held at Christmas, in 1972, but the Cathedral´s official inauguration was on 16 November, 1976, to mark the tricentennial of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. It was led by Cardinal D. Eugênio de Araújo Sales.
Photo: Reproduction. Riotur site
The choice of name for the Metropolitan Cathedral reflects the deep historical and spiritual connection between Saint Sebastian and Rio de Janeiro. Saint Sebastian is the patron saint of both the city and the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, making it fitting for him to also be the patron of its main church. The Cathedral’s secondary patroness is Saint Anne.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1964 on a plot of land near the Arcos da Lapa, donated by the state government. This donation marked the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church in Brazil, as the Archdiocese of São Sebastião of Rio de Janeiro had never had its own dedicated headquarters.
A new Cathedral in Rio de Janeiro. National Archive. Correio da Manhã Collection. BR RJANRIO PH.0.FOT.1883 – Dossier.
The building is circular and conical in shape. It is 75 meters tall externally and 64 meters internally, with an external diameter of 106 meters and an internal diameter of 96 meters. It covers an area of 8,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 20,000 people standing. The design aims to symbolize that all people are the same distance from God.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is striking because of its grandeur and architectural innovation, breaking away from traditional church construction standards. The Cathedral’s project also included revitalization efforts in the surrounding area, contributing to the modernization of this part of downtown Rio de Janeiro.
The modern architecture of the Cathedral is complemented by elements that are characteristic of religious buildings, such as the bell tower inaugurated in 1985, featuring bells tuned to musical notes. The immense stained glass windows, stretching from floor to ceiling and aligned with the cardinal points, are symbols of faith and spirituality, representing the characteristics of the Church: One (green), Holy (red), Catholic (blue), and Apostolic (yellow).
The Cathedral’s roof forms a Greek cross with a 30-meter diameter. Additionally, the side doors symbolize hope and charity, while the central door represents faith, adorned with high-relief scenes inspired by Pope Paul VI’s Creed of the People of God.
The central cross of the Cathedral was designed by the Benedictine monk Paulo Lachenmayer. The crucifix measures 6 meters in height and 4 meters in width and is suspended above the altar.
Photo: Reproduction. Smart Rio Tour
In addition to serving as the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, the Cathedral has become the city’s primary venue for religious celebrations, hosting solemn masses, ordinations, and state ceremonies. Since its inauguration, it has played a central role in the religious and cultural life of Rio de Janeiro, serving as a stage for significant religious events and housing the Archdiocesan Museum of Sacred Art.
The Museum holds a valuable collection of approximately 5,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, vestments, jewelry, and other notable items, such as Dom Pedro II’s throne and the font used for the baptism of the Portuguese royal family’s princes. The Diocesan Archive preserves manuscripts, printed documents, and iconographic materials, further enriching its historical significance.
