uniquely monumental and iconic, the metropolitan cathedral of rio de janeiro is located between centro and lapa. arguably the most important catholic place of worship in the city, it is the seat of the archbishop of rio. in the past it has received such esteemed visitors as pope francisco, who conducted a mass there during his visit in july 2013.

it was dedicated to the patron saint of the city, saint sebastian - at its founding rio de janeiro was originally called são sebastião do rio de janeiro, and thus the church is also sometimes called the metropolitan cathedral of saint sebastian.