Description

Essentials about the Candelária Church in brief

Located in the center of Rio de Janeiro, the Candelária Church is one of the most imposing places of worship in all of Brazil. With its magnificent baroque facade and richly decorated interior, the church is certainly also one of the most beautiful in the country.

The history of the Candelária Church

Due to its long building history, which extended from the late 18th century to the end of the 19th century, the Roman Catholic church combines stylistic elements from a wide variety of eras, such as Baroque, Neo-Classical and Neo-Renaissance. According to legend, the church was donated by a Portuguese couple who nearly sank in a storm aboard the ship of the same name, Candelária. After their arrival in Rio de Janeiro, the couple financed the construction of a small chapel called Our Lady of Candelária, which was probably built in 1609.

In the second half of the 18th century, the old chapel had become dilapidated, so it was decided to build a larger church. The works began in 1775. In 1811, the still unfinished church was already consecrated by King John VI of Portugal. However, both the exterior and the interior of the church underwent massive changes in the years that followed.

The dome of the church was not completed until 1877. The white lioz stones needed for it had to be imported by ship from Portugal. After 1878, the interior of the Candelária Church was remodeled in the Neo-Renaissance style. The walls and columns were covered with Italian marble in different shades. In addition, the naves were richly decorated with sculptures and paintings.

The interior of the Candelária Church

Of particular interest inside the church are the main altar by the Brazilian architect Archimedes Memória, the German stained glass windows, the bronze main portal by the Portuguese sculptor António Teixeira Lopes and the two monumental bronze pulpits by his compatriot Rodolfo Pinto do Couto.

Website

candelariario.org.br

Opening hours

Admission fees

Free.

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Bus lines 106, 213, 218, 220, 232, 254, 275, 277, 292, 296, 298, 311, 312, 321, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 378, 399, 415, 422, 442, 443, 471, 472, 2145 and 2251: Stop BRS 2,4 – Avenia Presidente Vargas próximo ao 218-258

Tram line L1: Stop Candelária

By car:

In the immediate vicinity of the Candelária Church there are a number of parking garages.