New Cathedral of Coimbra, Cathedral in Sé Nova district, Coimbra, Portugal.

The New Cathedral of Coimbra is a large church building in the Sé Nova district with a prominent front facade, two bell towers, and a central dome that rises above the university neighborhood. The interior space is defined by stonework spanning different periods, with the mannerist architectural style clearly visible throughout the building.

The Jesuits settled in Coimbra in 1541 and began this church in 1598 to designs by Baltazar Álvares, inspired by São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon. Worship started only in 1640 and the building was inaugurated in 1698. After the Jesuits were expelled in 1759, the bishopric was transferred here from the Old Cathedral in 1772.

The name Sé Nova distinguishes it from the Romanesque Old Cathedral, whose 17th-century choir stalls and late Gothic-Manueline baptismal font, carved by Pero and Felipe Henriques around 1500, were moved here. The right side chapel was built for Dr. Francisco da Fonseca, a law professor at the University of Coimbra, and carries his coat of arms and an inscription of 1688.

Visitors enter the building via a grand staircase at the main entrance, where regular Catholic services take place. Allow time to explore the interior and be aware that services may affect access to certain areas.

The baptismal font in the left lateral chapel near the entrance was carved by Pero and Felipe Henriques in the early 16th century in late Gothic-Manueline style. It came from the Old Cathedral, along with the 17th-century choir stalls of the main chapel.