Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro (Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião)
The cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral on Av. Chile in Centro is open every day from 7:00 to 17:00, with mass daily at 12:00 and on Sundays at 10:00. The cathedral also has a Sacred Art Museum with more than 5,000 pieces.
Updated:
At a glance
| Address | Av. Chile, 245, Centro |
| Open | Daily 7:00-17:00 |
| Mass | Daily 12:00; Sundays 10:00; Mondays 12:00 mass for the deceased |
| Museum | Museu de Arte Sacra, more than 5,000 pieces |
| Size | 75 m high and 106 m across outside; about 20,000 people standing or 5,000 seated |
| Nearby | Arcos da Lapa, Theatro Municipal, Santa Teresa bonde station |
The building
The cathedral was designed by the architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca with the engineer Newton Sotto Maior. It was conceived by Cardinal Câmara and his secretary, Monsignor Ivo Antônio Calliari, who ran the construction.
Outside it is 75 m high and 106 m in diameter; inside, 64 m high and 96 m across, on a floor area of 8,000 m². It holds about 20,000 people standing or 5,000 seated. Below the main altar is a crypt, along with the archdiocese archive.
Mass times
According to the cathedral’s site, checked 29.10.2026:
- Every day: 12:00
- Sundays: 10:00
- Mondays: 12:00, mass for the deceased
Sacred Art Museum
The Museu de Arte Sacra (M.A.A.S.) holds more than 5,000 pieces, including sculpture and painting. Check the cathedral’s site for its current opening times.
Official vans to Christ the Redeemer
The car park of the cathedral, at Avenida República do Chile, 245, is one of the official boarding points for the Paineiras Corcovado vans to Christ the Redeemer, with the official ticket office and a tourist and pilgrim reception centre on site. Buy tickets only at the official ticket office or on paineirascorcovado.com.br and check van hours for your date there. More on the way up: Christ the Redeemer.
Getting there and what’s nearby
The cathedral stands on Av. Chile in Centro. A short walk away are the Arcos da Lapa, the Theatro Municipal in Cinelândia and the Carioca station of the Santa Teresa bonde on Rua Lélio Gama. With a driver, you’re dropped at the cathedral and picked up there.
How we help
We fit the cathedral into a day in the centre or on the way to Christ the Redeemer: a private guide in your language, a driver, and the van or train slot booked for your date.
What to tell us in your request
- Your date, and whether you’d like to attend mass
- Whether you want to go up to Christ the Redeemer the same day
- How many people, and the ages of any children
- The language you’d like your guide to speak
- Anything to plan around: stairs, mobility, a stroller
Write to us on WhatsApp first, or use the request form.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Metropolitan Cathedral's opening hours?
Every day from 7:00 to 17:00, according to the cathedral's site (checked 29.10.2026).
What time is mass?
Daily at 12:00 and on Sundays at 10:00. On Mondays the 12:00 mass is for the deceased.
Where exactly is the cathedral?
At Av. Chile, 245, in Centro, a short walk from the Arcos da Lapa.
Why does the cathedral look like a cone?
It's a modern design by Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, 75 m high and 106 m across, built for very large congregations: about 20,000 people standing.
What is in the Sacred Art Museum?
More than 5,000 pieces of religious art, including sculpture and painting.
What can we combine with the cathedral?
The Arcos da Lapa, the Selarón Steps, the Santa Teresa bonde and the Theatro Municipal are all close by.
Can you include it in a private tour?
Yes. Price on request, proposal within 24 hours.
Sources
- Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião (hours, masses, Museu de Arte Sacra), checked 29.10.2026
- Riotur: Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião, checked 29.10.2026
- Governo do Estado RJ: Bondes de Santa Teresa, checked 29.10.2026
- Riotur: Arcos da Lapa, checked 29.10.2026