Which cathedral in Brazil is known for Oscar Niemeyer's hyperboloid concrete design?

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Brasília Cathedral is known for Oscar Niemeyer's hyperboloid concrete design.

The Cathedral of Brasília was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer as part of the new capital's monumental civic complex. Its distinctive structure consists of curved concrete ribs that rise and converge toward the sky, creating a hyperboloid form. Construction was completed in 1970.

Visitors enter through a dark underground passage and emerge into a bright interior filled with colored light. The cathedral's roof structure is supported by sixteen concrete columns, while suspended sculptures and stained-glass elements contribute to the interior experience. The design is modern rather than a revival of medieval Gothic forms.

The cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint. It is often confused with the much larger Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, which is a separate building in the city of Aparecida, São Paulo state.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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