This beautifully restored church and former cathedral dates back to the 1770s, and it played an important role in the imperial days of Rio. The elaborately gilded rococo-style interior witnessed royal baptisms, weddings and funereal rites. Several kings were crowned here – including Pedro I in 1822 and his son Pedro II in 1841; it is the only place in the New World where this occurred. The royal family used to sit in the balcony boxes overlooking the altar.
