at a glance

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 and was been attended by the likes of recently elected pope francisco, who conducted mass there during his visit in july 2013.

it is nearly 350 feet in diameter and has a standing-room capacity for 20,000 people - or 5,000, if seated.

the structure was modeled upon the mayan pyramid in the yucatan peninsula of mexico, which has a large, square base and narrows at the top to form a plateau.