Religious sites in Rio de Janeiro

Historic Churches & Sites

Rio de Janeiro’s religious sites showcase an evolution from 18th-century colonial baroque to 20th-century modernism. This collection includes the iconic Art Deco Christ the Redeemer and the cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral. It highlights the ornate, gold-leafed interiors of the St. Benedict Monastery and the Church of St. Francis of Penance. The list also features the hilltop Sanctuary of Our Lady of Penha, known for its 382-step stone staircase, alongside historic neighborhood churches in Urca and Santa Cruz.

Historic Churches & Sites — Map

Wolffystyle / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Christ the Redeemer

Iconic Art Deco statue representing Jesus located atop Corcovado mountain, offering panoramic views of the city. It is a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian cultural heritage.

Fulviusbsas / Public domain

B

Church of Our Lady of the Candelária

The Candelária Church is an important historical Roman Catholic church in the city of Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

St. Benedict Monastery

The Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, more commonly known as the Mosteiro de São Bento, is a Benedictine abbey located on the Morro de São…

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

D

Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, better known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro or as the Cathedral of St.

Fulviusbsas / Public domain

E

Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro

The Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an old Carmelite church which served as cathedral of Rio de…

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Church of St. Francis of Penance

If you seek a really impressive interior, visit this breathtaking Baroque church and one of the architectural gems of Rio.

G

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Brasil

Constructed in the 1930s, this Catholic church is situated in the Urca neighborhood near the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. It features a traditional facade and serves as a local landmark overlooking Guanabara Bay.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Penha

A prominent hilltop sanctuary famous for its 382 steps carved directly into the rock. This neo-Gothic church is a significant pilgrimage site offering panoramic views of the city's North Zone.

Cellso Moreira / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Igreja de São Francisco de Paula

A Catholic church located in the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

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