at a glance

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. the funnel shape was adopted to signify the equal distance and proximity of men to god, and the flat area on top - the roof - encloses a transparent cross 100 feet in diameter, the most important symbol of the church.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Church of Our Lady of Candelária), is one of the most magnificent churches in Rio de Janeiro - A small chapel was formed in 1634, which was the origin of the current church, however the construction of an entirely new edifice began in 1775, only to be completed in the final years of the 19th Century.

The architecture of the building exhibits 18th and 19th Century styles, and is striking, composed of three naves which resemble a cross and a large dome in the centre - The interior of the church is coated in marble, the doors are formed of bronze, and there is a large, magisterial painting of ships on the ceiling.