Museu de Arte Sacra

Santa Teresa & Lapa


This small museum in the basement of the Catedral Metropolitana contains some exquisite carvings by Mestre Valentim and a number of historical items. Don't miss the baptismal font used at the christening of royal princes and the throne of Dom Pedro II.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santa Teresa & Lapa attractions

1. Catedral Metropolitana

0.01 MILES

This enormous cone-shaped cathedral was inaugurated in 1976 after 12 years of construction. Among its sculptures, murals and other works of art, the four…

2. Fundição Progresso

0.1 MILES

Once a foundry for the manufacturing of safes and ovens, Fundição Progresso today hosts avant-garde exhibitions, concerts and samba performances…

3. Bonde Station

0.11 MILES

From this station you can take the Bonde tram to Santa Teresa. It's a marvelous ride on a quaint yellow streetcar over the Lapa Arches to the hilltop…

4. Arcos da Lapa

0.14 MILES

A much-photographed symbol of Lapa, the arches date back to the mid-18th century, when the structure served as an aqueduct to carry water from the Carioca…

6. Theatro Municipal

0.28 MILES

Built in 1905 in the style of the Paris Opera, the magnificent Municipal Theater is the home of Rio's opera, orchestra and ballet. Its lavish interior…

7. Praça Floriano

0.29 MILES

The heart of modern Rio, the Praça Floriano (known to cariocas simply as Cinelândia) comes to life at lunchtime and after work when its outdoor cafes fill…

8. Passeio Público

0.31 MILES

The oldest park in Rio, the Passeio Público was built in 1783 by Mestre Valentim, a famous Brazilian sculptor, who designed it after Lisbon's botanical…