Metropolitan Cathedral of St Sebastian

The Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro stands out among the city centre buildings. She was conceived by Cardinal Câmara and his private secretary, and future executioner of the works, Monsignor Ivo Antônio Calliari. The architect was Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, engineer Newton Sotto Major and master of works Joaquim Corrêa. With 75 meters of external height and 64 meters of internal height, 106 meters of external diameter and 96 of internal diameter, Cathedral also has an area of 8,000 m2, capable of sheltering 20,000 people standing or 5,000 seated. Underneath the main altar lies the crypt of the Cathedral. Also underground is located the Archdiocesan Archive, where a rich collection of documents is maintained. These documents draw a social, political and religious profile of the city since when the church was still responsible for various activities in different areas of Rio life.