Saint Sebastian Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, in Rio de Janeiro

The Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, or Metropolitan Cathedral, is the astonishing modern cathedral of Rio in the shape of a pyramid. The Rio de Janeiro audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary with a bold architecture, dedicated to the patron saint of the town.

The modern cathedral in the shape of a pyramid

You certainly do not expect to find a cathedral in the shape of a pyramid during the discovery of Rio, and yet, here is the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, or Metropolitan Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of the town. Built in the second half of the twentieth century, it breaks radically with the traditional religious architecture: its silhouette is that of an immense truncated cone of concrete, evoking at once a modern pyramid and the stepped pyramids of the pre-Columbian civilisations. This bold form, monumental and stripped on the outside, reserves a striking surprise inside. The building, vast and circular, can host thousands of faithful in a great single space, without pillars, conducive to contemplation. But it is above all four immense stained-glass windows, that soar from the ground up to the summit over dozens of metres of height, that amaze the visitor: these gigantic bands of luminous colours bathe the interior in a mystical and grandiose light. The cathedral testifies to the boldness of modern Brazilian architecture. A monumental sanctuary and a modern masterpiece, the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the astonishing modern cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the town, in the shape of an immense truncated cone of concrete evoking a pyramid, built in the second half of the twentieth century; its vast and circular interior, without pillars, can host thousands of faithful, and four immense stained-glass windows soaring from the ground to the summit bathe it in a mystical and grandiose light. The Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is a modern masterpiece of Rio. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Cathedral of Saint Sebastian lies in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, near the district of Lapa, reachable on foot and by public transport. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian of Rio remarkable?

For its bold modern architecture: dedicated to the patron saint of the town, it has the shape of an immense truncated cone of concrete evoking a pyramid, and its vast and circular interior, without pillars, is bathed by the mystical light of four immense stained-glass windows that soar from the ground up to the summit over dozens of metres.

Where is the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian in Rio de Janeiro?

In the centre of Rio de Janeiro, near the district of Lapa, in Brazil.