The Church of Our Lady of Glory of Outeiro (“Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro,” also known as “Outeiro da Glória”) is one of the oldest churches in Rio (1671-1739), perched on top of a hill, giving the name to the surrounding neighborhood (Glória). I've seen the church many times from the highway but never went close, as I never had a reason to go to the neighbourhood. Last week I was at a trade show in Glória, however, and I decided it was time to go check out the church, especially since I had my camera with me.

From the sea level (where the subway station is), I had to go up for a bit along a zigzagging terrace. (It was labeled as a “garden,” though that term is yet to be deserved.) Right before reaching the top you are welcomed by a statue of Mary behind a fence. From the top you get a nice view to compensate for the walk, including Pão de Açúcar. The church itself is an interesting octogonal structure, done in a somewhat ascetic version of baroque. (It feels like a cross between baroque and romanesque.) The front entrance was locked and it took me a whilte to find an open back door. It was surprizingly small inside – the walls of the church turned out to be much much thicker than I imagined. The inside decoration was the same ascetic baroque, with a wall of portuguese tiles (azuleijos).