The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory stands on the Praça Dom Pedro II in Praia Grande, a prominent landmark at the top of the old town's main square. The current building has a somewhat plain neoclassical exterior that doesn't quite prepare you for the gilded baroque interior, with its painted ceiling and elaborate altar. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão.
The square in front of the cathedral is a good place to start any exploration of the historic centre. From here, the cobblestone streets of the old town fan out in every direction, and the tiled facades of the colonial buildings are immediately visible. The cathedral is open during morning and evening masses, and usually also during the middle of the day.