5 must-see places for religious tourism in Rio

Although it is one of the most attractive forms of tourism in the world (around 300 million tourists a year, according to the World Tourism Organization), this is not the greatest attraction for tourists who come to Rio. In general, tourists look for beautiful beaches and the main tourist attractions, which is a shame. The Marvelous City also has beautiful religious temples. Its architectural projects are listed as National Heritage by Iphan. And, as much as it has hosted one of the largest religious events in the world (World Youth Day in 2013) and around 5.67 million tourists come here every year, few people know religious tourism in Rio.

Knowing this, Rede Rio has prepared this article with 5 incredible religious temples in The Marvelous City, to encourage you and all tourists to explore religious tourism in Rio and be enchanted by all that it has to offer. Check it out!

Get to know religious tourism in Rio

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária

Igreja da Candelaria is one of the most well-known religious tourism places in Rio. With its beautiful and imposing front, which points towards the Guanabara Bay, this church had its first inauguration in the early 1800’s, due to the presence of Prince Regent and future king of the United Kingdom of Portugal and Brazil, Don Joao. Works were still unfinished, and the structure had only one nave, projected for the great architect Mestre Valentim. With its front and neoclassical interior architecture preserved to this day, Church of Nossa Senhora da Candelária remains open for visitation from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masses take place every day at 12:15 a.m. and on Sundays, at 10:30 a.m. and noon. To ease your way to Candelária and other religious places in Rio, you can stay at the Hotel Pompeu of Rede Rio, which is located in downtown Rio.

Mosteiro de São Bento

This Monastery was inaugurated in 1590 by Benedictine monks from Bahia. The architectural complex has the monastery, which has restricted visits, and the Abadia de Nossa Senhora de Montserrat, a magnificent work with Baroque influences and Portuguese-Brazilian architecture. Others attention-grabbing features are the art-nouveau iron gate and the impressive rosewood altars covered in gold. Although it is in downtown Rio, the Monastery is a great place for religious tourism in Rio, as it preserves itself as a place of silence and meditation. Abadia de Nossa Senhora de Montserrat is open for visitation every day, from 8am to 6pm. From Monday to Friday, at 7:15 a.m., solemn Masses with Gregorian chant are held, which also take place on Saturdays at 8:00 AM and on Sundays at 10:00 AM.

To stay very close to the Monastery, which is located in Rua Dom Gerardo, 40, in downtown Rio and enjoy what this magical place has to offer, you can stay at the Gamboa Hotel, which is only a few minutes from the Monastery.

Presbyterian Cathedral

The Presbyterian Cathedral was the first church of this religious denomination in Brazil, being inaugurated in the year of 1862, under the direction of the American reverend Ashbel Green Simonton, first pastor of the temple. The temple is listed as a historical patrimony of Rio de Janeiro, and is well known for religious tourism in Rio by the strong neogothic influence and artistic lighting that, at night, gives its gray walls a multicolored appearance.

The church is open to visitors every day from 8am to 6pm. Mass take place on Sundays, at 8:00 a.m., 10:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. The Presbyterian Cathedral is located in Praça Tiradentes, in downtown Rio, very close to hotel Arosa Rio.

Grande Templo Israelita

Grande Templo Israelita was inaugurated in 1932 and is the largest monument of the Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro and one of the largest in the country. The architecture of the temple is both solemn and monumental, with evocative paintings of biblical scenes and a mosaic panel that frames the altar.

Although not open daily for visitation, various activities are carried out in the Great Temple, to lead the community, Jewish or otherwise, to know the works and mosaics present in its interior.

To facilitate your visit to this amazing monument, you can stay at Arosa Rio hotel, which is just 100 meters from the Grande Templo Israelita .

Santuário Nossa Senhora da Penha

Built on the top of a rock, Santuário Nossa Senhora da Penha was built in the year 1728 and is a landmark of religious tourism in Rio because of its staircase of more than 380 steps. The Sanctuary is sought mainly by faithful people who wish to pay promises but also by tourists delighted with the breathtaking view it has to offer. The architecture of the sanctuary belongs to the eclectic style and in its last reform received influences of the Neogothic style.

In addition to visits to the Sanctuary, the church was also known for the traditional Feast of Penha, which was once considered the second biggest event in The Marvelous City, only behind Carnival. Despite being a traditionally Catholic festival, the Feast of Penha has always been marked by religious syncretism, many typical foods, devotion and fun.

For those who wish to visit the Sanctuary, it is open to visitors every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and for those who do not want to climb the stairs, it is possible to go by cable car, which is free. The church is located in Largo da Penha, 19, Penha – Rio de Janeiro. To facilitate access, you can stay in one of the hotels in downtown Rio, walk to the Central Station and take the train from Saracuruna, which will leave you very close.

If you want to get to know religious tourism in Rio de Janeiro, the ideal is to stay at a hotel that, in addition to comfort and good service, offers you easy access to all these places. For this, you can count on Rede Rio! We have three hotels, equipped to offer you all the comfort you need and make your visit to Rio even more unforgettable! Contact us and make your reservation now!

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