CHURCHES RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the most beautiful, ancient and symbolic historical buildings in Brazil, including hundreds of churches and religious temples of the most varied styles, many preserved from the period of colonization and other important moments in the country’s history. These sanctuaries are breathtaking and move people from all over the world, regardless of their religion.
It’s worth taking a moment out of your trip to see them!São Sebastião Cathedral in Rio de Janeiro Built in a modern style, in the shape of a cone, the São Sebastião Cathedral in Rio de Janeiro, or just the Metropolitan Cathedral, stands out for its unique architecture, different from most of the cathedrals and Catholic churches in the world. With its 106 meters in diameter, 75 meters of external height, 64 meters of internal height, it has an impressive capacity for up to 20,000 people standing. Its stained glass windows, which cut through the church to the dome, give the place a special light. Basilica of Penha Popularly known as the Church of Penha, this is a traditional Catholic shrine located in the neighborhood of Penha, in the northern part of the city. Raised on top of a rock, it is famous for its 382-steps staircase, where many faithful pay promises by climbing on foot or on their knees. Every year in October, the shrine holds the celebrations of the patron saint, promoting the celebration of hourly Masses on Sundays, religious shows, luminous processions, mass graves, presentation of folk groups, choirs and the party on the slope of ascent to the sanctuary, with traditional stalls of typical foods, various sweets and ambient music. The Penha Church is a portrait of the traditions of the Brazilian people full of faith and deserves a visit!

Candelaria In the middle of the main avenue in the center of Rio, you’ll find the legendary Candelária Church, which took around 200 years to build, with its façade facing Guanabara Bay. This is one of the main artistic works in Brazil, for the quality of the names involved, for neoclassical architecture and for the exuberant interior decoration. Because it took so many years to build, the church has elements of various styles, such as baroque and art nouveau, but when you enter, nothing seems to clash.
It is one of the most beautiful churches in Rio. Church of São Francisco da Penitência Inside the Carmo Convent, in Largo da Carioca, is the Church of São Francisco da Penitência, completed in 1772. Its baroque architecture is thrilling, and, from floor to ceiling, it impresses by the richness of detail. In the lining, the illusionist paintings give the impression that the angels are descending toward the chairs. Exuberant, its interior is all built in cedar and coated in gold leaf, with works by none other than Aleijadinho. This is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Brazil.