Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro

This is unlike any cathedral you've ever seen - a massive, soaring concrete edifice which, from the outside, looks like very ugly.nBut inside, it's magnificent.nThe stained glass windows create a magnificent colourful cross, and the crucifixion carving in the middle is deeply moving.nThe open design also keeps the entire place cool through natural air-conditioning.

I'm an atheist and not big on brutalism, but this Cathedral is an inspiring gem of architecture and spirituality. It can accommodate a staggering 20,000 crowd, which would make it a heck of a mass. The inside it glorious and different from any cathedral I have seen.

Inspired by the Mayan pyramids of Mexico, The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian stands tall in the center of Rio de Janeiro. Fitted with four floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows there is no doubt of the room's focal point upon entry and the barren walls only further a search skyward for higher meaning. Contemporary to say the least, fans of detailed architecture may find the Church somewhat sterile, but for believers the size and scope seems fitting for worship numbering in the thousands during service.

If this was really inspired by the Aztecs or Mexican structural history that's pretty cool!nI thought this place was pretty cool to just drop in and visit, it doesn't seem to be very crowded so there's no specific time you need come or plan.nnThe stained glass is very cool, on a sunny day the colors are really incredible. But less on a cloudy day.nnTIP- if you're going to lapa or Santa Teresa you can take stop by pretty easy before you go to either places! Also there is homelessness near by. Just keep your eyes open.

Amazing architecture but nothing remarkable inside, it feels quite empty.