church · Rio Branco, AC
Catedral Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
Built between 1948 and 1958 in Roman basilica style, it stands near the Palácio Rio Branco and is dedicated to the city's patron saint. The interior stands out for its 47 colorful stained-glass windows.
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 Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
The Catedral Nossa Senhora de Nazaré is Rio Branco's mother church and stands downtown, near the Palácio Rio Branco. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Acre's capital.
Construction began in 1948, with the cornerstone laid by Dom Júlio Mattioli, the first bishop of Acre, and the church opened in 1958. The design follows the Roman basilica style, with the interior divided into three naves.
Inside, the highlight is the colorful stained glass: there are windows on the upper and lower parts of the walls, and the lower ones show scenes of the Stations of the Cross. It is an easy visit that pairs well with a walk through the historic center.
The cathedral is the center of the Círio de Nazaré, the largest Marian religious festival in the Diocese of Rio Branco, celebrated every year with a procession. Since it is a working church, respect Mass times and keep quiet during services.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes to see the facade and the interior at a relaxed pace.
Best time
In the dry season, May to September, it is easier to combine the visit with a walk downtown; early in the morning or late afternoon it is cooler and the light shows off the stained glass inside. The Círio de Nazaré takes place in October.
How to get there
It is on Praça da Catedral, in downtown Rio Branco, a few steps from the Palácio Rio Branco. From the Calçadão da Gameleira you can walk there by crossing the Passarela Joaquim Macedo; from other neighborhoods, take a taxi, ride-hailing app or a bus to downtown.
Tip
Avoid going in during Mass if you only want to look around; check the times with the parish and dress appropriately for church.
A look at the place
Catedral Nossa Senhora de Nazaré 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 Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
Is there an entrance fee at the Rio Branco Cathedral?
No. It is a working church; check opening hours and Mass times with the parish.
When was the cathedral built?
Work began in 1948 and the cathedral opened in 1958.
Can I walk there from the Calçadão da Gameleira?
Yes. The cathedral is downtown, near the Palácio Rio Branco; just cross the Rio Acre on the Passarela Joaquim Macedo.
What is there to see inside the cathedral?
The three naves and the colorful stained glass, including windows showing scenes of the Stations of the Cross.
How long does the visit take?
20 to 40 minutes is enough to see the church at a relaxed pace.