church · Manaus, AM
Catedral Metropolitana de Manaus
A neoclassical church built on Praça XV de Novembro after a fire destroyed the previous church in 1850, inaugurated in 1877. Facing the port, it holds objects used by Pope John Paul II during his 1980 visit.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral Metropolitana de Manaus
The Catedral Metropolitana de Manaus, dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and known to everyone as Igreja da Matriz, stands on Praça XV de Novembro, in the historic center. It occupies a raised spot facing the port and is the seat of the Archdiocese of Manaus.
There has been a church here since the late 17th century, when Carmelite missionaries built a simple chapel of rammed earth with a thatched roof. The church that came after it was destroyed by fire in 1850. The cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1858, and construction took about two decades. The church became a cathedral in 1946.
The building is neoclassical, with a two-story facade and two side towers. The bells came from Portugal. In 1980, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral during his stop in Manaus.
The visit is short and easy to fit into a walk around downtown, along with Teatro Amazonas, the Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa and the Rio Negro waterfront. It is an active church, so avoid walking around during Mass. The main entrance has a flight of steps.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes, or longer if it is part of a walking tour of the historic center.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is lower and downtown is less hot; in the dry season, from July to November, it rains less in Manaus.
How to get there
It is on Praça XV de Novembro, in downtown Manaus, a few blocks from the port and the Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa. From Teatro Amazonas you can walk there in about 15 minutes, heading downhill toward the river. Many city bus lines run through downtown.
Tip
Dress appropriately for a church and keep an eye on your belongings downtown. You can combine the visit with the nearby Mercado Adolpho Lisboa.
A look at the place
Catedral Metropolitana de Manaus in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral Metropolitana de Manaus
Can you go inside the Manaus Cathedral?
Yes, it is an active church. Avoid walking around during Mass and check the times with the Archdiocese of Manaus.
How long does a visit to Igreja da Matriz take?
About 30 minutes is enough to see the inside of the church and the square in front.
Can you walk from Teatro Amazonas to the cathedral?
Yes. It is about a 15-minute walk through downtown, heading downhill toward the river.
Why is the cathedral called Igreja da Matriz?
Because it was the main parish church (igreja matriz) of Manaus before becoming a cathedral in 1946, and the old name stuck in popular use.
When was the Manaus Cathedral built?
The cornerstone was laid in 1858, after a fire destroyed the previous church in 1850, and construction took about two decades.