The fascinating exterior design of the Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao was done by architect Edgar de Oliveira as a truncated 106 m wide diameter cone with 75 meter height. His inspiration is allege-able from the Maia pyramids in the Peninsula of Yucatan, Mexico. Contrary to the pyramids which are square, the cone form was supposed to give a proximity to God, reminding a bit of the hats used by bishops during ceremonies.
The capacity of the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral is 20 000 people with a 18 meter high front door decorated with 48 low relief bronze plaques focusing on the theme of faith. The inside of the Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao is lit by the sun breaking through large stained glass windows in vivid colours varying throughout the day with different intensity.
Each of the immense four windows goes up the walls to the roof, forming a cross if you look straight up. The windows differ in shape and colour creating a mystical atmosphere and the cone structure gives an excellent acoustic providing visitors with goosebumps when the catholic priests sing their heavenly music.