Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral, Medieval cathedral in Alfama, Portugal.
Description
Santa Maria Maior Cathedral stands in the Santa Maria Maior district and shows two heavy Romanesque towers and a fortified main facade with battlements. The interior holds several side chapels, a Gothic cloister with arcade walkways, and a treasury housing liturgical items from different periods.
History
Construction began in 1147 under King Afonso I after a mosque on this site was removed to build the first Christian place of worship in the newly conquered city. Later earthquakes in the 14th and 18th centuries led to Gothic and Baroque modifications that partly altered the original Romanesque appearance.
Culture
The Portuguese name Sé comes from the Latin word sedes, referring to the bishop's seat established here after the city was retaken. Visitors see azulejos and painted altars along the walls, donated over centuries and still used for services today.
Practical
Entry to the church is free, but a separate admission covers the cloister and treasury, which also includes access to the archaeological excavations. The lanes around the building are narrow and sometimes steep, so solid footwear is helpful for walking through the district.
Did you know?
Beneath the cloister lie remains from three eras: Roman foundations, Visigothic traces, and Muslim structures that came to light when the ground was uncovered. Visitors can look directly at these layers through glass floors and follow the successive settlements of the site.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Santa Maria Maior).
Lisbon welcomes families with places that educate and entertain children. The city mixes history with hands-on experiences. Visitors can see sea life at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium or explore the Tram Museum to learn about streetcar heritage. The Museum of the Discoveries and the Pavilion of...
This collection brings together about forty sites that show the different sides of Lisbon and the Tago Valley. In the city, you walk through the streets of Alfama, see 16th-century buildings such as the Belém Tower and the Hieronymites Monastery, cross the Commerce Square that opens to the river,...
Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa
80 m
Cadeia do Aljube
45 mMuseu do Aljube - Resistência e Liberdade
52 m
Igreja da Conceição Velha
148 m
Penafiel Palace
157 m
Centro de Estudos Judiciários
201 m
Igreja Paroquial de São João da Praça
193 m
Arco Escuro
128 m
Arco da Porta de São Jorge
184 m
Arco de Jesus
191 mSítio arqueológico «Termas dos Cássios»
158 m
Museum of Saint Anthony
88 m
Ermida de São Crispim e São Crispiniano
130 m
Recolhimento das Merceeiras
139 m
Edifício da Fábrica Romão
67 m
Palácio Monte Real
131 m
Casa das Varandas
104 m
Street Art
77 mCasa de Pasto Estrela da Sé
110 mHotel Eurostars Museum
220 mGotta
130 mAzuleijos de Santo António
177 mAzulejo Artwork
74 mSanto António
93 mEm homenagem ao Padre António Vieira
128 mStreet art
213 mPortas do Mar
87 mArco de Jesus
193 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes