Sé Cathedral: from simplistic church to Lisbon's iconic cathedral

It underwent a series of renovations before becoming the fortress-like tourist attraction it is today. The cathedral of Santa Maria Maior (its full name), better known as the Sé cathedral, is Lisbon's oldest church. It was built in the 12th century on the site of a mosque to celebrate the expulsion of the Moorish and Almoravids when the city was recovered by the Portuguese. It has also suffered a number of natural disasters, including being partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Today, it sits proudly on part of the citadel and shows no sign of its heavy past; majestic and a must-see.

The building was constructed in the shape of a cross. Mainly Romanesque in style, the building has retained its two original towers, giving it the look of a fortified castle with battlements at the top, useful for attacking enemy troops. During the great period of Portuguese reconquest, many buildings could be used as defence bases, and this is particularly true of the cathedral.

The main façade is adorned with a very pretty old rose window and a huge sculpted portal, both of which date back to Romanesque art. Rather austere, its interior decoration does not pay tribute to its exterior façade, despite the pretty coloured stained glass windows and the daylight that streams in from the large rose window. However, if you take a closer look at some of the details, you will find some precious relics, such as the treasure and relics of Saint Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon, and the baptismal font of Saint Anthony, where he is said to have been baptised; the small chapel is covered in blue and white azulejos.

On the wall of the staircase leading to the sanctuary, you will see a cross, the Cross of Saint Anthony of Padua, drawn on this wall when the devil came to disturb his faith; he repelled him by making the sign of the cross on the stone.

There are some Gothic influences, notably the cloister, built in the 13th century in a Gothic style, which blends in perfectly with the rest of the monument. Inside, you'll find a mix of memorabilia from different influences from the past, including Roman, Arab and medieval artefacts found during the excavations.

📍 Address: Largo da Sé, Lisbon

👛 Price (from) :

• €5 (adult fare)
• 3 (7 to 12 years old)
• Free for children under 6

⏰Opening times:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 7pm
• Wednesday and Saturday: 10am to 6pm
• closed on Sunday

👉 Duration: 1 hour

👉Other info:

The entrance ticket includes the following services: a visit to the naves and ambulatory of the cathedral, a climb to the Coro Alto (balcony between the bell towers).

If you would like to visit the cathedral in a group, please send an email to: info@sedelisboa.pt

On your way out, wander down the winding streets of Alfama, arguably Lisbon's most typical and charming district, with its staircase lanes and echoes of fado wafting through the air.