Basílica da Penha

Rio de Janeiro


Rio’s most dramatically set church, in a 17th-century double-steepled confection, offers dramatic 360-degree views from its clifftop perch. A renovated tram whisks visitors up to the top (free of charge – though it's not always operational). Many of the faithful prefer to ascend the 382 steps on their own power – and some even do it on their knees. The church is surrounded by favelas and best reached by taxi.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rio de Janeiro attractions

1. CADEG

4.25 MILES

While CADEG doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as ‘Ipanema Beach,’ this voluminous market packs a treasure trove of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish,…

2. Rio Zoo

5.01 MILES

Covering over 12 hectares, the zoo at Quinta da Boa Vista has a wide variety of reptiles, mammals and birds, mostly indigenous to Brazil. Special…

3. Feira Nordestina

5.06 MILES

This enormous fair (32,000 sq meters, with over 600 stalls) is not to be missed. It showcases the culture of the Northeast of Brazil, with barracas (food…

4. Quinta da Boa Vista

5.41 MILES

Quinta da Boa Vista was the estate of the Portuguese imperial family until the Republic was proclaimed. Today it’s a large and busy park with gardens and…

5. Maracanã Football Stadium

5.47 MILES

Rio’s Maracanã stadium is hallowed ground among football lovers. The massive arena has been the site of legendary victories and crushing defeats. Maracanã…

6. Fábrica Bhering

6.02 MILES

Inaugurated in 1880, Fábrica Bhering was the first chocolate factory in Brazil. It is now a stunning multistory, multipurpose art space and cultural…

7. Cidade do Samba

6.06 MILES

Located north of Centro, near the port, Samba City is actually made up of 14 large buildings where the top Rio schools assemble their Carnaval floats. It…

8. AquaRio

6.24 MILES

The largest aquarium in South America is Rio's newest major downtown attraction. You can get an up-close look at some 350 different species (there are…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "brazil/rio-de-janeiro/attractions/basilica-da-penha/a/poi-sig/1368609/363153",
      "destination": "Rio-de-Janeiro",
      "continent": "South-America",
      "country": "Brazil",
      "city": "Rio-de-Janeiro",
      "position": "superzone"
    }