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Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária: A Rio de Janeiro Landmark

A stunning Catholic church in Rio de Janeiro, blending Baroque, Renaissance & Neoclassical architecture with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

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The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária, a Catholic church in Rio de Janeiro's city center, is a historical and architectural landmark. Its construction, spanning from the 17th to the 19th centuries, blends Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles, making it a significant religious and cultural monument.

A brief summary to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid large crowds and fully appreciate the church's tranquility and architectural details.
  • Note the church's opening hours: Weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Sundays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am for mass (the church opens at 9:30 am), and closed on Saturdays.
  • Take time to observe the interior artwork, including the stained glass, marble details and the paintings on the dome that depict the church’s founding legend.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Santos Dumont Airport, take the VLT (Light Rail Transit) to the Candelária station, which is directly in front of the church. The VLT is a modern tram that runs through the city center. A RioCard is required to use the VLT. The RioCard costs R$3.00, and a single VLT ticket costs R$3.80. Alternatively, take the Metro from various points in the city to Uruguaiana station, which is a short walk from the church. A single metro ride costs R$4.65.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in central Rio, taxis and ride-sharing services (such as Uber) are readily available. A typical taxi ride from the Novo Rio Bus Terminal to the Candelária Church will cost approximately R$30-R$35. Ride-sharing services may offer slightly cheaper fares, but prices can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day. Be sure the taximeter is running, with a base fare of R$5.6 and a charge of R$4.0 per kilometer.

  • Walking

    The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária is located in the heart of Rio's Centro district, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions. From Praça XV, walk east along Primeiro de Março street; the church will be on your left. From the Uruguaiana Metro station, walk south along Avenida Presidente Vargas, then turn right onto Rua Candelária. The church will be on your right. There are no tolls or special access fees for reaching the church.

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Discover more about Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Church of Our Lady of Candelária) stands as one of Rio de Janeiro's most prominent religious and architectural landmarks. Located in the city center, its history stretches back to the early 17th century. According to a semi-legendary tale, the church's origins lie with a promise made by Portuguese sea captains Antônio Martins Palma and Leonor Gonçalves, who vowed to build a hermitage dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Candelária if they survived a near-shipwreck. Upon their safe arrival in Rio de Janeiro, they fulfilled their vow by constructing a small chapel in 1609 on the site where the present-day church stands. Official records date back to 1710, marking the first renovation of the parish church. Later, in the second half of the 18th century, military engineer Francisco João Roscio designed a new, larger church in the shape of a Latin cross. Construction began in 1775, utilizing stone from the Catete neighborhood. The church was partially opened in 1811, with only one nave and altars sculpted by Mestre Valentim, in the presence of Prince Regent Dom João VI. These altars were later replaced during subsequent renovations. The church's architecture showcases a blend of styles due to its long construction period, incorporating Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, and Neoclassical elements. The facade, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, faces Guanabara Bay. The interior features a neoclassical design with marble, stained glass, and bronze works. The dome, made of limestone from Lisbon, is a striking feature, adorned with eight statues sculpted by José Cesário de Salles. Throughout the 20th century, the church was associated with significant events, including the Diretas Já political rally and the Candelária Massacre. Today, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária remains an active Catholic church and a revered historical and cultural monument in Rio de Janeiro.

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