visit porto cathedral

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Porto Cathedral – Sé do Porto

Built in the highest part of the city, the Sé Cathedral is the most important religious building in Porto. It is located in the Batalha district, next to the walls that once protected the city. The exterior of the building has the appearance of a fortress with battlements.

The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is the most important religious edifice in the city and has been declared a National Monument . It is situated in the upper part of Porto.

The Cathedral is in Batalha , very close to the walls that once protected the city. The building looks a bit like a fortress with crenels from the outside.

The construction of the Cathedral began during the twelfth century , but it was rebuilt and renovated numerous times throughout the centuries. This explains why the Cathedral is a mix of architectural styles. The temple is predominantly Baroque in style, although its façade and the nave are Romanesque and its cloister and one of the chapels are Gothic in style.

Inside, the large pillars make the nave seem narrow with a high ceiling . It has a restrained decoration with bare walls and only the high altar and some of its chapels are decorated in a Baroque style.  

The entrance to the cloister is located inside the Cathedral, through a door to the right of the temple. The cloister dates back to the fourteenth century and is decorated with tiles painted with some of the scenes from the Bible. From the cloister, you can also visit the Casa do Cabildo, which features the Cathedral Treasure, a collection of it’s most precious possessions.

Well-worth visiting

The Porto Cathedral and its cloister are two of the best attractions in Porto and a definite must when visiting the city.

The Cathedral sits on a square with a column in the middle. This is where the criminals of Porto were hanged. The square also offers impressive views over the city, the Douro River and the wine cellars on the waterfront.

Terreiro da Se, Porto 4050-573

April – October : 9 am –  6:30 pm. November – March : 9 am –  5:30 pm Christmas and Easter: closed.

Cathedral: Free entrance. Cloister: € 3 ( US$ 3.30) Children (up to 10 years old): Free entrance.

Metro : San Bento (Line D).

Nearby places

Casa Museu Guerra Junqueiro in Porto (105 m) Igreja dos Grilos (131 m) Ribeira (253 m) São Bento Railway Station (318 m) Palácio da Bolsa in Porto (355 m)

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The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Perched on a hill overlooking the Douro, a stone’s throw from the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Porto Cathedral ( Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is one of the most iconic monuments in the “Northern Capital”. Follow the guide!

💡 The Captain’s tip 💡

🧐  Want to know more about Porto’s history? Captain Ulysses highly recommends this free guided tour of the city . It’s up to you to choose how much you wish to tip the tour guide!

💤  Looking for an hotel in Porto? Be sure to check out the Captain’s article: Where to stay in Porto? Advice & recommendations

🏛 P lanning your trip to Porto? Be sure to check out Captain Ulysses’ complete article on what to see and do in the city: a Guide to Porto

👶 Planning a family adventure to Porto? Discover all of the Captain’s top tips in the article: Exploring Porto with the Kids: Family-Friendly Activities

Brief history of the Porto Cathedral

In the 12 th century, the bishop of Porto, Dom Hugo, decided that the city of Porto should have its own cathedral: the Sé do Porto was born.

Originally built in a Romanesque style, the Porto Cathedral was enlarged, transformed and embellished over the centuries. Its heterogeneous architecture mixing Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque influences is the result of these multiple alterations.

The cloister adjoining the cathedral was thus built in the 14 th century, while the loggia located on the side of the building is an addition by the Italian architect Niccoló Nasoni dating from the 18 th century. Niccoló Nasoni – who also designed the Clérigos Tower – completely renovated the portal of the cathedral and made a multitude of small transformations inside the monument.

Visiting the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

The forecourt of the cathedral of porto.

At the foot of the cathedral, be sure to linger in the vast forecourt (the Terreiro da Sé in Portuguese) from where you’ll have a beautiful view of the Douro, the Dom Luis I Bridge and the quays of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Facing the cathedral, a large Baroque pillory ( pelourinho ) which symbolizes justice, stands in the center of the square. According to legend, the city’s criminals were once hanged on this pillori…

The exterior of the cathedral

With its monumental dimensions and its stocky silhouette flanked by two square towers, the Cathedral of Porto looks very much like a fortress.

Before entering the building, take the time to linger a few minutes on the forecourt to admire the exterior of the cathedral. Adorning the main façade, the 12 th century Romanesque rose window has survived the test of time. The portal was renovated in the Baroque style by the Italian architect Niccoló Nasoni.

To the left of the building, don’t miss the beautiful Baroque loggia decorated with azulejos, which was also designed by the famous Italian architect.

Around the cloister

Adjoining the cathedral, the cloister dates from the 14 th century. In the cloister too, the architectural style is quite eclectic: the arcades, typically Gothic, are decorated with Baroque azulejos by Valentim de Almeida dating from the beginning of the 18 th century and representing the life of the Virgin Mary.

The richly decorated Saint-Vincent Chapel is well worth a look for its sumptuous altar and its beautiful organ.

A little further on, the Sacristy is a adorned with over-the-top, rococo furniture and baroque paintings.

On the upper floor, the chapter house and the treasury

From the main floor of the cloister, a beautiful baroque granite staircase designed by Niccoló Nasoni leads to the upper floor.

The terrace , decorated with azulejos representing Ovid’s Metamorphoses of Ovid, gives onto the Casa do Cabido, where you’ll find the Chapter House and the Treasury of the Porto Cathedral.

The Chapter Room , decorated with baroque statues, is well worth a visit for its sumptuous coffered ceiling adorned with fourteen allegories of moral values painted by Giovanni Battista Pichini in 1737.

The Treasure Room houses a fine collection of liturgical objects (books, chalices, chasubles, etc.) dating from the 17 th and 18 th centuries.

The panorama of Porto from the cathedral

From the terrace, a narrow staircase leads to the top of one of the towers of the Porto Cathedral. From there, the panorama on the historic center, the Douro River, the Dom Luis I Bridge and the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia is quite simply breathtaking.

Inside the Cathedral of Porto

Like the facade of the building, the interior of the cathedral is quite eclectic in style.

The narrow, barrel-vaulted nave is lined with tall granite columns and supported by flying buttresses. It is one of the earliest examples of the use of this typically Gothic architectural technique in Portugal.

The Baroque wall paintings of the choir are the work of Niccoló Nasoni. In the baptistery, don’t miss the bronze bas-relief by Antonio Texeira Lopes, representing the Baptism of Christ by Saint John the Baptist. Scattered around the cathedral, the three red marble holy water fonts dating from the 17 th century are quite impressive.

The Cathedral of Porto is also home to two baroque goldsmith masterpieces:

• The High Altar , designed by Santos Pacheco and completed by Miguel Francisco da Silva in 1727-1729
• The silver altar ( altar de prata ) located in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament . According to legend, a sacristan covered the altar with stucco to protect it from the Napoleonic troops who invaded the city at the beginning of the 19 th century. But the sacristan died without revealing his secret, and the treasure hidden under the stucco was lost for an entire century before being rediscovered!

Getting to the Sé do Porto, the Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral is located in the historic center of the city, a stone’s throw from the Ribeira district, the Dom Luis I Bridge and the Palacio da Bolsa .

The nearest metro station is São Bento (line D).

Opening hours of the Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral is open:

• July to September: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday / 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays
• in October and from April to June: from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• November to March: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at 5:30 p.m.

Entrance to the cathedral is free, but you will have to pay €3 per person to access the cloister and the Casa do Cabildo (chapter room + treasure room). Access is free for children under 10 years old.

👉 Skip the lines: book your tickets and visits in Porto!

👉 looking for a place to stay in porto, 👉 looking for tips and recommendations here are all the captain’s suggestions in porto.

🛏️ Accommodation: When it comes to reserving your stay in Porto, Captain Ulysses wholeheartedly recommends using Booking.com . or Expedia . You’ll find a wide range of options, from cozy youth hostels to luxurious boutique hotels. Here are the Captain’s personal suggestions: – Youth hostels: Gallery Hostel / The Passenger Hostel / Rivoli Cinema Hostel – Budget-friendly hotels: Moov Hotel Porto Centro / Rex Hotel / Decanting Porto House – 3 and 4-star hotels: Village Aparthotel By BOA / Mo House / Fontinha Porto – Upscale hotels: Pestana Vintage Porto / Yeatman Hotel / InterContinental Porto

🎟️ Activities: museums, monuments, guided tours, boat tours, excursions… there’s plenty to do in Porto! To avoid wasting time in endless queues, especially during high season, the Captain strongly recommends that you opt for skip-the-line tickets and book your activities in advance. You can book all your tickets and tourist activities on GetYourGuide and Civitatis .

⛵ Cruises: Porto is undoubtedly synymous with Douro! It’d be a shame to leave the “Capital of the North” without embarking on a Douro river cruise. If you’re only staying in Porto for a long weekend, the Captain recommends the six bridges cruise . If you have more time, then he highly recommends the Douro Valley cruise with wine tasting & lunch.

🎫 Citypass: valid from 1 to 4 days, the Porto Card includes unlimited access to city transport (including to get to/from the airport), free entry to 6 museums and a selection of discounts in museums, attractions, Port wine cellars and shops.

🚐 Transfers: you can take the metro at the airport to get to the city center (1/2 hour). But if you prefer to avoid public transport, you can also book a transfer at very reasonable prices.

🚌 Local transport: you’ll propably quickly tire of Porto’s steeply sloping streets and might be tempted to take local transport instead of walking. The public transport network is convenient and easy to navigate. You can buy your tickets directly at metro stations and bus stops (be careful, you will need to take 1 Andante card per person). You should also know that access to public transport is included in the Porto Card . Otherwise, the hop-on hop-off bus tours are great options to explore the city. You can also opt for a pass including access to hop-on hop-off buses, the funicular as well as tramways . Among other means of transport, you can also try the bicycle , the electric bicycle , the segway , the tuk-tuk , the small train …

✈️ Flights: to book your flights to Porto, Captain Ulysses warmly recommends Skyscanner . You’ll be able to compare countless offers to find the best deal. If your dates are flexible, you can also compare prices over several months to find the cheapest flights possible.

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Se Porto Cathedral (Portugal): Photos + visit tips

Last updated on November 17, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is a historical landmark in the Northern city . Overlooking Porto, Portugal, this 12th century Romanesque structure, with cloister and treasury, is open to visitors. ​Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with tips and photos.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Portugal:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Portugal: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Benagil sea cave from Portimao

My favorite excursion from Lisbon: Sintra Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca

My favorite places to stay:

• Lisbon: see best rated hotels – e.g. Santiago de Alfama boutique hotel
• Porto: see best rated hotels – e.g. Descobertas Boutique Hotel
• Lagos: see best rated hotels – e.g. Uma Cas A Beira Sol

Why visit the Porto Cathedral?

The cathedral in Porto is one of the most famous buildings in town. It is a beautiful structure built in the 12th and 13th century in Romanesque style. And its adjacent Gothic cloister dates back to the 14th century. Plus it offers splendid views of the city. It is one of the  best views in Porto . It is quite a touristic spot so be careful around all the buses. But be sure not to miss it. 

Video – Virtual Tour

Below is a short video of my visit to the Porto Cathedral and its cloister. Dark nave, blue tiles and historical chapter rooms. I am sorry my filming was not very good, but it still gives you an idea of what a visit might look like.

More details and photos after the planning tips.

Planning tips – Porto Se Cathedral

How to get to the porto cathedral.

• Located at Terreiro da Sé, on the higher grounds of Porto
• You can reach it by walking from the upper platform of the Dom Luis Bridge on the North side or you can walk from the city center (quite steep)
• The Hop-on Hop-off Bus stops right next to the cathedral in Porto on its Blue Route. It is a great way to get around Porto and save your knees and muscles + it has another route that goes to the sea and beaches. 

And if you are planning to trip around Portugal, check out my travel guide, it includes Porto and the cathedral:

Plan your dream trip in Portugal thanks to my guide

• 13 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 200+ original photos to help you choose

Prices and hours

• Porto cathedral opening hours – 9am to 6:30pm for the cloister and the museum and to 7pm for the cathedral (5:30 in Winter)
• Porto cathedral access is free
• But to visit the Cloister the entrance is 3€
• Porto cathedral mass time – daily at 11am
• Latest opening hours in Portuguese on the Diocese wesbite
• Easy to visit the cathedral
• Not many steps in the cloister – easy to visit
• Where to stay in Porto? – Check out the best rated accommodations in Porto

Need to rent a car in Portugal ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Views from Largo da Sé + Se do Porto Entrance and history

Sé do Porto is located not far from the upper platform of the bridge. You can arrive from there or walk you way up from the city.

The Cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th century in Romanesque style. And its adjacent Gothic cloister dates back to the 14th century. Of course, alterations were made later but it remained an imposing structure overlooking the city.

Located in the oldest part of town, the large square in front of the cathedral (Largo da Sé) was the heart of the city where shops were set up in the Middle Ages. So the Porto Cathedral is part of the World Heritage Unesco classified site called  Historic Center of Oporto .

As you can see below, it has 2 towers crowned with cupolas, but the façade is not very decorated, apart from the porch and the rose window.

So, it looks quite austere but it has seen some major events in the European history such as King’s weddings or Baptisms.

From the front square (Largo da Sé), you can admire very nice views of the city. They were not my favorite, but it is a nice combination of rooftop level views and spotting major landmarks.

As you can see in the photo below the Clerigos tower (Torre de Clérigos) stands out in the panorama.

Church interior

The entrance to the church itself is free. So don’t miss what is considered as one of the top things to do in Porto. It is very difficult to photograph this building. The nave is dark, tall and narrow (and I did not have my tripod with me).

However, the Porto cathedral interior has a special atmosphere. It is hard to describe.

The rose window remains of the Roman architecture. From the inside you can spot the pipe organ just in front of it with an arc shape around the window. They sometimes organize concerts in the cathedral. The organ was built in 1985 by a German. You can learn more and listen to part of a concert on Gailatlarge .

Inside the Porto Cathedral, you can also admire the chapels. There is one famous chapel. The apse was rebuilt in baroque style in the 17th century. You cannot miss it; the decor is really heavy.

Another one of the most famous chapels is the silver one.

The story says that at the beginning of the 19th century, when Napoleon’s army entered Porto, a local decided to paint the silver to hide it.

They were fooled and the chapel was left untouched.

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Cloister of the Se Cathedral in Porto

For a small fee, you can then visit the Gothic Cloister on the South side. It is not the best one I have visited in Portugal, but it has a lot of character with the beautiful Azulejos tiles.

Those blue tiles are typical of Portugal. You will see them often on your road trip. They were added to the cloister during the 18th century. They depict religious stories.

Oporto Cathedral Sacristy

From the cloister you can enter the sacristy. It is decorated with a lot of Baroque pieces.

There is also a small chapel in the cloister. The side walls are all covered in Azulejos tiles which contrast with the wood.

Top Cloister

Then you can take the Nasoni staircase to admire the cloister from the first level.

This is a renaissance staircase designed by Architect Nicolau Nasoni

From here you can see more Azulejos tiles and better appreciate the cupolas of the tower.

Looking down you see the quadrangle of the cloister.

Chapter room (Sala capitular)

From there you can enter the Chapter Room.  Sadly, there were not signs or explanations about all the tiles, paintings and rooms.

The ceiling was coffered and painted by Pachini in 1737 with allegories of moral values

For a fee you can also visit the Treasury with a small collection of Early Christian artifacts and art. For example, you will see a lot of silk ceremonial gowns, leather bounded bibles, crowns and altar pieces.

You will see a lot of gold and silver from South America.

Want to see more of the best Portugal has to offer?

• 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal – read article
• Best things to do in Portugal – read article
• The best beaches in Portugal  – read article
• The best villages in Portugal – read article
• Lisbon vs Porto – where to go? – read article
• Driving in Portugal – read article
• The best of the Algarve region – read article
• The highlights of Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais Nature park – read article

Planning a trip to Portugal?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

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Se do Porto cathedral: Opening hours and entrance fee

Porto cathedral, also recognized as “Se do Porto cathedral” is for sure one of the top attractions in Porto, not just its impressive architecture from inside, but also the view you can enjoy of it from the outside. As it´s one of the famous places in Porto, we decided to help you planning a visit to this Porto monument. Of all the things you need to know these are the most important: The Se do Porto cathedral opening hours and entrance fee, the mass times, its location and more…

Porto cathedral opening hours

• From November to March the Porto cathedral opening hours are from 9 am until 12:30pm (The cloister closes at 12:15) and in the afternoon it opens at 2:30pm and closes at 6pm (The cloister closes at 5:30).
• It closes during the afternoon of Christmas and Eastern days.

Porto cathedral entrance fee: FREE ticket

• Cloister: 3€ (with the Porto card or for students the price is 2€, for kids up to 10 years old the entrance is FREE)

Porto cathedral mass times

The Porto cathedral mass times are:

• The mass time of Porto cathedral during the Weekdays is at 11:00
• The mass hours during sundays is at 11:00 as well

Porto cathedral cloister

The Porto Cathedral cloister in a must wen visiting the Porto.  It may have a price but is not too expensive and it´s totally worth it. It´s located at the right when you go inside the cathedral and you can find impressive bible paints. And what is most important, from the cloister you can visit the Casa do Cabildo one of the most valuable things of the building.

Best time to visit Se do Porto cathedral

As we said the Se do Porto cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Porto. For that reason, it´s a place that many people visit and that´s why you need to choose when you want to go.

For us, the best time to visit the cathedral of Porto is at sunrise as it has beautiful colors and there are less visitors. Another really good time is at golden hour, the light at the cathedral looks amazing right before sunset.

Porto cathedral history and year of construction

The history of the Porto cathedral is huge, its year of construction was 1110 during the 12th century. It was built at the old centre, where all the activity of the city happened.

The Porto cathedral architectural style suffered many changes. It started being Romanesque as it is the nave, but now most of it is baroque style and for example the cloister is gothic. The cathedral was built by Bishop Hugh a French who ruled the city until 11:30

Porto cathedral map location

Se do Porto cathedral is located at Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal which is in the upper part of the city. If you are interested in going by metro, the stop is: San Bento which is line D. 

See the exact location here !!

View from Porto cathedral

Se do Porto is definitely a beautiful cathedral with an impressive architecture, but if that wasn´t enough, right before you go inside the building, you can find one of the best view points of Porto, from there you can appreciate a cityscape of the whole city. Visiting it at sunrise or sunset time will become on of your highlights of your trip to Porto.

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Porto Cathedral

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Porto Cathedral! This majestic building is a historical treasure that will leave you speechless. With over 800 years of history, the Cathedral is an architectural gem that must be seen to be believed. Inside, you’ll find stunning details, from stained glass windows to the main altar carved in gold. And if that wasn’t enough, the terrace offers an impressive view of the city of Porto. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at Portugal’s culture and history in this incredible place. Go and you won’t regret it!

• Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto
• (+351) 223 392 330
• [email protected]
• https://www.diocese-porto.pt/
• https://www.facebook.com/Diocesedoporto
• https://www.instagram.com/diocesedoporto/
• https://twitter.com/diocesedoporto

Similar places

San Francisco Xavier Fort

Dom Luís I Bridge

Clérigos Tower

Sao Bento Train Station

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Porto Cathedral: Visit to one of the main Portuguese cathedrals

Last updated: 04/13/2023

Get to know the Sé do Porto, a medieval cathedral composed of several architectural styles, a lot of history, art, culture and art!

SE OF PORTO

The Sé do Porto is the city's Cathedral and one of the most important and oldest historical monuments in the country. Also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption It is one of the most iconic and beautiful Portuguese cathedrals, a place full of history and that brings together different architectural styles. Built on top of a hill over an old Romanesque church from the 10th century, the church was built between the 12th and 13th centuries in the Romanesque style, although it also has elements from other architectural styles, such as Gothic, Baroque and Rococo, which were incorporated through some modifications to its exterior made in the 17th and 18th centuries.

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

In addition to its architectural and artistic beauty, the Cathedral of Porto has an important role in the history and culture of the city and the country. During the Middle Ages, the cathedral was the center of religious and cultural life in the city of Porto, having been the place of coronation of several Portuguese monarchs. Currently, the Porto Cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions in the city, receiving thousands of visitors every year. It is a place of great cultural and religious significance for the Portuguese and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. On the way to the Cathedral is the Statue of Vimara Peres , an important former Galician military chief during the Reconquista who became the first Count of Portucale.

WHAT TO VISIT IN PORTO SEE

The Sé do Porto is a complex with different architectural styles that houses some environments and pieces of inestimable historical value. Below is a map showing the location of the structures:

• Main entrance to the Cathedral of Porto
• Chapel SS. Sacrament (Silver Altar)
• Image of N. Sra Da Silva and São Pedro Chapel
• Choir with pipe organ
• Gothic cloister with 7 tiled panels from the 18th century
• Chapel of St. John the Evangelist
• Old Cloister (formed the so-called “Bishop's Cemetery”)
• St. Vincent Chapel
• Staircase leading to the upper courtyard of the cloister
• House of the Chapter

Among the main highlights of the cathedral are:

THE main facade of the Cathedral is a typical example of the Romanesque style, with three portals decorated with archivolts and columns in the classic style. The facade of the cathedral is imposing and features two towers, one of which houses the cathedral bell. A bell tower it was built in the 18th century in baroque style, inspired by the Clérigos Tower, one of the main monuments in the city of Porto. The interior of the cathedral is beautiful. Formed by 3 ships , the cathedral has a beautiful rosacea from the twelfth century to the center. Above the choir dating back to the 17th century, there are two organs tubes from the 17th and 19th centuries.

The current chancel It dates from the beginning of the 17th century and features a beautiful gilded altarpiece. To the left of the main chapel, in the Capela do Santíssimo Sacramento, there is a beautiful “ silver altar” , built in the second half of the 17th century by several Portuguese artists.

On the right side is the image of Nossa Senhora da Silva (15th-16th century), and the other baroque chapel is dedicated to Saint Peter. In the transept, on the left side, there is an image of Nossa Senhora da Vandoma, patron saint of the city of Porto.

One of the highlights of the Cathedral is its gothic cloister , built between the 14th and 15th centuries, features intricate stonework, beautiful arches characteristic of Gothic architecture and large panels of white and blue tiles with scenes from the “Song of Songs”, in reference to the mystical dialogue between God and the Virgin, patroness of the Cathedral .

The cloister is located on the north side of the cathedral and is accessed through a narrow doorway. The cloisters are arranged in a rectangular shape and surround a central courtyard, which is adorned by a beautiful fountain. One of the most striking features of the cloisters is the stonework that adorns the arches and columns. The arches themselves are pointed, which is a hallmark of Gothic architecture and creates an impression of height and grandeur.

3. TREASURY MUSEUM OF THE SEE

The Porto Cathedral Treasury is one of the richest and most valuable collections of sacred art in Portugal. The collection comprises around 100 objects of great historical and artistic value, many of which were donated to the cathedral over the centuries. The collection includes gold and silver pieces, books, engravings, liturgical objects, ceramics, furniture, textiles and some reliquaries dating from different periods of Portuguese history. Among the highlights are a portable organ from the 17th century, acquired by Archbishop D. Luis de Sousa; the 16th century vestments, offered by King D. Manuel to Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa; as well as an 18th-century monstrance in gilded silver with 450 diamonds.

4. CHAPTER ROOM

The Sala do Cabido was built in the 17th century and is attached to the Porto Cathedral. Originally, it was used as a residence for members of the cabido, a group of clerics who helped run the cathedral. Over the centuries, the room has also been used for a variety of other purposes, including as a meeting place, archive, and even a prison. The room is an outstanding example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

The room has a rectangular shape and massive stone walls. Decor is relatively simple, with few ornaments, but the arched windows and pillars are beautifully crafted and add a rustic charm to the room. Next to the Casa do Cabido is the chapel of S. João Evangelista, from the 14th century, with the remarkable tomb chest of João Gordo, Knight of Malta.

5. CHAPEL SÃO VICENTE & SACRISTY

Built at the end of the 16th century, the Capela de São Vicente features a beautiful baroque altarpiece in gilded woodwork and a beautiful 17th-century stall, with ten biblical scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Several Bishops of Porto are buried in this room. The Sacristy has colorful paintings on the walls and ceilings, as well as rich furniture.

Beside the Chapel of São Vicente, a grand staircase designed by Nasoni , completed in 1736, gives access to the upper courtyard of the Gothic cloister.

From the top floor of the cloister, it is possible to climb one of the towers by a staircase that leads to the top and has very high steps (it may be uncomfortable for people who are very short or have limited mobility). But, the climb pays off with a beautiful view of the historic center of Porto and the Douro River.

PORT CARD : SAVING TIP IN PORTO

Port.CARD is the official discount card in the city of Porto, Portugal, which is the best way to explore the city while saving big! The card includes free entries and discounts on more than 150 attractions . The card can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 and 4 days and can be purchased with unlimited access to public transport or not . Those who buy the card also receive a benefits guide and a map of the city of Porto.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Cathedral of porto.

• Address:  Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
• Schedules: from april to october from 9 am to 6:30 pm | from November to March from 9 am to 5:30 pm
• Entrance:  €3 (Cathedral + Cloisters + Museum + Tower) | 2€ with the Porto Card

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Viewpoint from the roof of Porto Cathedral

Porto Cathedral sits high above the banks of the Douro. It is not only the city’s main church, but also offers visitors a wonderful view of the Douro.

The Sé do Porto – its Portuguese name – is one of the most important Catholic churches on the Iberian Peninsula and the seat of the bishop of the diocese of Porto. It is surrounded by the remains of the fortifications that once protected the city.

Standing in the large square in front of the cathedral, we noticed that, unfortunately, work was being carried out on the main façade of the church. Scaffolding and tarpaulins were covering a section of the church. What a shame, because the part we could see promised a lot in terms of architecture and impressed me immensely. We were able to see the side façade without any problems. Some beautiful tile paintings in a small corridor in front of an outside altar gave us an idea of what to expect inside the church.

Porto Cathedral was built at the beginning of the 12th century. The beautiful rose windows and the nave, which have been preserved to this day, are particularly striking in the Romanesque building. Later, in the 14th century, the Gothic cloister was built. This was decorated with blue and white azulejos (tiles) in the 18th century.

Major renovations led to the construction of a new choir extension in the 17th century. This was later (in the 18th century) given the choir stalls and the outstanding murals that have been preserved to this day.

Since 1996, the cathedral, together with the old town of Porto, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Visit to the cathedral of Porto

We enter the interior of the cathedral through a small door. There is a charge for the visit. Even those who don’t like visiting churches should not miss out on a visit. The view of the city from the tower alone is worth the visit.

We followed the signposted circular route that leads through the entire complex and up to the roof. Right at the beginning of the tour, we went into the cloister of the cathedral. The elegant Gothic cloister is clad in beautiful blue and white Portuguese tiles from the 18th century. Some of the paintings are very well preserved. I stood in front of it for quite a while and was amazed at how many details are depicted that turn the picture into a story.

There is a “treasure chamber” with many religious art objects, such as clothing, chalices, sculptures and jewelry.

The path also leads into the chancel, the chapel and some rooms of the monastery. In contrast to the rather simpler nave, these are furnished with significantly more works of art and are somewhat more sumptuous.

I particularly liked the main altar from the Baroque period. A magnificent altarpiece hangs here. The altar of the Blessed Sacrament is another highlight of the tour. It is a precious work of goldsmith’s art from the 17th and 18th centuries, made by goldsmiths from Porto.

The tour of the interior was beautiful, but I have seen churches and cathedrals that have impressed me more.

On the roof of the cathedral

A massive staircase takes us up to the roof and from there to the cathedral tower. This part of the tour was definitely the highlight of our visit.

Even from the roof area, there were some beautiful views of the city. However, these were clearly topped by the viewpoint on the church tower. From up there you have a wonderful view of the Douro with its excursion boats, you can see the masterfully built steel bridge and take a look at the old town of Porto. For us, this is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city.

Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal

Opening hours:

November to March Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 5.30 pm The tower closes at 5 pm

April to October Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 6.30 pm The tower closes at 6 pm.

Admission price:

Adults: 4,- €.

There is a discount on the admission price with the PortoCard. Buy the PortoCard here at GetYourGuide.

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Sé Catedral, Porto

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This Romanesque style construction began in the twelfth century. Several changes up until the twentieth century did not quite manage to lessen its somewhat primitive austerity. The sacristy, cloister and the beautiful blue (azulejo) tiles that cover its galleries, as well as the chapel, date from the Gothic period. A beautiful 13th century rosace stands out on the west front. The paintings by Nasoni, the carved gilded wood altarpiece and the silver altar of the Blessed Sacrament are all noteworthy. Mass is still celebrated there but if it is tranquility which you seek, do not miss the cloister.

Free entrance. Reckon on paying 3 euros per person for the visit of the cloister. Sé Catedral  is also a great place to get a 360 degrees view of Porto .

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Everything about Porto’s cathedral

As Porto’s cathedral is one of the first buildings that come to mind when we think about the best things…

As Porto’s cathedral is one of the first buildings that come to mind when we think about the best things to do in Porto , I decided to write an entire article dedicated to it. Meanwhile, if you don’t have time to read it all: the entrance costs 3€ / person and you can save yourself a looot of waiting time if you buy the online ticket to the cathedral of Porto .

Useful information about Porto’s cathedral

Opening hours.

The cathedral of Porto is open for visits during the following schedule:

• Summer (April to October): 9h – 18h30
• Winter (November to March): 9h – 17h30
• Closing day: Christmas (25th December) and Easter day

Currently the ticket to Porto’s cathedral costs 3€ and you can visit the church itself, the cloisters, the museum and the tower. The cloisters, in particular, are REALLY worth it.

You can save yourself a lot of time if you buy the online ticket to the cathedral of Porto!

You can attend the services (aka mess) everyday at 11am, free of charge.

There is no particular dress code to visit Porto’s cathedral or to attend services there, but some common sense should be in place: you don’t want to show up in shorts and wearing flip flops to the most important religious monument in any city around the world, and Porto is no exception!

However, it is perfectly ok to show your shoulders, arms and legs with some modesty (keeping some modesty on the length of your shorts & skirts, ladies).

The history of Porto’s cathedral (brace yourself, I’m about to get nerdy)

It is impossible to dissociate Porto’s cathedral from the city’s history. At the beginning of the 12th century, the diocese of Porto was linked to the diocese of Braga, a city further north. The arrival of the powerful Bishop D. Hugo, coming from France, would change the situation. D. Teresa, the mother of the future first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, donated the county called “Portucalense” to its diocese as well as a large sum of money. Following this generous donation, D. Hugo started building a defensive wall as well as Porto’s cathedral, erected on the site of an ancient hermitage. It is not by chance that, a few years ago, several tombs from the 9th century were found under the front staircase of the cathedral.

The construction of the Porto’s cathedral continued under the patronage of D. Afonso Henriques. D. Afonso, at that time only king of the Portucalense county, knew that he has to please the Catholic Church in order to create the kingdom of Portugal (at that time, the Church was the only entity capable of granting the creation of new kingdoms). For this reason, he proceeded to finance several cathedrals and churches in Portugal, of which the most notable example is Porto’s cathedral. Porto’s cathedral would undergo several interventions throughout the centuries, depending on the need for its renovation and the architectural styles in vogue, as well as the will of the bishops of the city. In the 14th century, during the Gothic period, Porto was already an important commercial center given its strategic location nearby the Douro river. However, despite its imposing medieval city walls and the opulence of its churches, Porto could only truly rise to the prestige of other European cities when it acquired the relics of the saints that it possessed. Fortunately in 1492 the relics of St Pantaleon arrived in the city (there are some obscure legends regarding this arrival that we will gladly share with you on a private tour), and were placed at Porto’s cathedral and this saint was acclaimed as the patron saint of the city. However, the current patron saint of the city is neither Saint Pantaleon nor St John (contrary to what many people think) but rather … Our Holy Lady of Vandoma. Who would think that a woman would command the hosts here in Porto?! You can see her statue inside Porto’s cathedral, on the left, right next to a beautiful silver altar (I’ll talk about it another time, it has some wonderful stories behind it!).

Architectural styles of Porto’s cathedral

Porto’s cathedral combines several different architectural styles, most notably romanic style (XII century), gothic (XIV century) and baroque (XVIII century). It is quite extraordinary to think that what you are seeing when you look at this building is a blend that crossed different centuries and historical periods, isn’t it?

These are the most prominent features:

• Romanesque: the overall shape of this fortified cathedral, which is very clear on the massive thickness of the walls of Porto’s cathedral, with few and comparatively small openings.
• Gothic: the gothic cloister started to be built at the end of the fourteenth century during the reign of King John I, whom we talk about on our Jewish Heritage Tours in Porto . The  Gothic funerary chapel of the knight João Gordo was also added during this period.
• Baroque: the most prominent architectural interventions at Porto’s cathedral took place during the XVIII century, when Nicolau Nasoni arrived in Porto.His mastery transformed our cathedral from the trop lei painting that he did at the sacristy to the beautiful azulejos tiles that decorate not only the gothic cloisters but also the lateral gallery that was also added during this period. Moreover, the magnificent silver altarpiece placed on the left hand side is a baroque masterpiece that enclosures some of the most fabulous secrets of the cathedral.

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Late afternoon visit - Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)

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• Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)

Late afternoon visit

We thought leave it to later in the day to visit less of a queue, we got that wrong. You walk around the cloister and the roof then you get to the cathedral. Very beautiful inside, and larger than it looks from the outside.

The cathedral is very good, it has a cloister with coloured tiles and on one side is the cathedral. You can climb onto the roof terrace for good views of the cathedral and can climb up one of the cathedral towers for a good view over Porto.

The view from the courtyard over the town is spectacular although some parts of the actual cathedral is less so. Obviously masses of tourists so if you want your instagram photo you may need to wait. Disappointingly, some locals have used the front of the cathedral as a urinal near where the road comes from the Dom Luis bridge. Great walk down from the cathedral on steep narrow roads / paths towards the river.

I had the opportunity to tour and then attend Mass at the cathedral. Beautiful and inspiring, the cathedral is a must see in this wonderful town.

It a nice cathedral inside and outside. It’s location is spectacular and hence the views are also spectacular. It’s a combination of Gothic bones and Baroque embellishments. It has nice cloisters and a museum and a tower which you can clamber up to get even more crazy views. I think it’s a pretty decent cathedral overall and in a city full of nice churches it very much holds it’s own. I took the funicular up to it and I think that’s quite a cool way to approach (certainly helps avoid a million steps) and when you come down back into the town you can wander through the medieval streets. Sadly some of the buildings here are in a perilous state of dereliction, beautiful but you feel they might topple at moment. Overall these is a must see place in Porto. I liked it very much and even went to the top of the tower (recompense for using the funicular )

This Gothic Cathedral have very intricate interior design and located on an amazing hilltop that offers great view of Porto. Do not miss seeing this Romanesque building.

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The Torre dos Clérigos, Porto; a tourism guide for 2024

The 75m high Torre dos Clérigos is the icon of Porto. Since its construction in 1763 to the late 19th-century Clérigos Tower was the tallest building in Portugal, and even today it is the highest structure in the historic centre of Porto.

From the top of the granite tower, are stunning panoramic views over Porto, and this view is worth the €6 admission and 240 steps to reach it.

The Torre dos Clérigos stands higher than any other building in the historic quart of Porto. Also being situated at the top of the hill enhances the apparent height of the tower

The Torre dos Clérigos is to the rear of the Igreja dos Clérigos church

The admission fee also provides entry to the Clérigos Museum, which exhibits religious artefacts and paintings from the Brotherhood of the Clérigos. This is an extensive and fascinating collection, if you have a passion for religious art or history.

The Torre dos Clérigos is attached to the Igreja dos Clérigos, a classical baroque church, with an ornate stone front facade.

If you purely wish to visit the church, it is free to enter, and has been beautifully restored after the major renovation project that was completed in 2014. The church is unique for its oval shaded nave, which provides outstanding acoustics for the two pipe organs.

The Torre dos Clérigos is open at night (7pm-11pm), and the viewpoint provides a completely different perspective of central Porto, and also a quieter visitor experience.

The Se cathedral as seen from the top of the Torre dos Clérigos Note: The iconic Ponte Luís I bridge can’t be seen from the top of the tower, as Se Cathedral hill blocks the line of sight of it.

Being the most famous sight of Porto, the Torre dos Clérigos can get very busy during the day, and the increased admission fee has not lessened visitor numbers.

Our advice is to visit early in the day or at night, but the night ticket (€5) does not include the museum, as it is shut. Warning: It is 240 steps to the top of the tower and was never designed for large visitor numbers. Only visit if you are fit enough to climb to the top and are not affected by confined spaces, as the final section is very narrow. The narrow stairs get very hot in the summer months.

The narrow stairs leading to the viewing deck

The Clérigos tower was constructed as a bell tower and the bells still toll throughout the day, much to the shock of the tourists stood close to them. There are 49 bells, with the last ones added in 1995.

The Torre dos Clérigos was designed by Porto’s most famous architect Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian who spent the majority of his life constructing wonderous buildings in northern Portugal. In later life, Nicolau joined the Clérigos order and is buried in an unmarked tomb in the church that he created.

The tower was not actually built at the same time as the church. The Igreja dos Clérigos was completed in 1748, and the Torre dos Clérigos was only started in 1754. The original plans were for two symmetrical towers, but as the funding was purely from the clergy and donations, the designs were scaled back.

The Brotherhood of the Clérigos was started as a combination of three 17th century charitable organisations, whose purpose was to care for the poor of Porto.

On founding the order, they were provided with a plot of land outside of the city walls and at the top of the hill. This hill is where the church stands today, and was historically called “Hill of the Hanged Ones”, as it was used to bury criminals.

The front façade of the Igreja dos Clérigos church, and the tower is to the rear

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• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
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Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

• #Russian History

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is the main cathedral of the Russian Orthodox church located near the Kremlin on the left bank of the Moskva River. It is the largest cathedral of the Russian Church designed for 10 000 people, built in the tradition of Russian-Byzantine style, and enjoyed the broad support of the state at the start of construction. The structure of a modern complex of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour includes the Upper Church, actually the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and the Lower Church, Transfiguration Church, built in the memory of the Alexis Convent. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow was built as gratitude to God for help and intercession in the difficult period of Russian history — during the War of 1812. This is a monument to the Russian people for their courage and heroism. The author of the first project was architect Alexander Vitberg. October 12, 1817, there was the solemn laying of the church on the Sparrow Hills. The building was to consist of three parts — the Incarnation, the Transfiguration, and the Resurrection. Soon the ground of the hill began to sink under the weight of the constructing building.

Emperor Nicholas, I found the project by Vitberg unsuccessful and unworkable. In 1832, Konstantin Thon was appointed as the architect. It was decided to begin construction near the Kremlin, on the site of a former Alexis Convent, that was to be destroyed. At that time, one of the nuns of the destroyed convent said that the new church would not stay there for more than 50 years. On September 10, 1839, the church building was laid. In 1860, the cathedral was first brought before the Muscovites. May 26, 1883, the cathedral was consecrated. Since 1918, the cathedral completely lost the support of the state, and on December 5, 1931, it was destroyed by order of Joseph Stalin. The predictions of the nun came true — the cathedral had been staying for 48 years. In 1958-1960 there was constructed a swimming pool in place of the pit formed after the explosion. In the late 1980s, there was created a social movement for the revival of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. On the night of 6 to 7 of January 2000, the shrine was restored. The Divine Liturgy was held here in honor of two thousand years after the birth of Christ. August 19, 2000, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II performed the complete consecration of the shrine in honor of the birth of Christ.

• The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood read
• Alexander Nevsky Lavra read
• The Volokolamsk Kremlin read
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• Ivan the Great Bell Tower read

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• What to see
• Monuments and attractions

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow is a majestic Orthodox church with a legendary history full of stories. Its emblematic white and gold architecture stands proudly on the banks of the Moscow River.

A look to the past

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour of Moscow was originally built between 1839 and 1883, commissioned by Tsar Alexander I in honour of those who died in the Patriotic War of 1812. Its design was based on the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, present-day  Istanbul .

After the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the cathedral fell victim to the state's anti-religious campaign , and it was demolished in 1931 . Stalin's plans to use the plot to build the tallest skyscraper in the world failed due to a lack of funding and the German invasion during World War II, but eventually the land found a new use. The largest swimming pool in the world , heated so it could be used all year round, opened there in 1958.

In 1994, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the swimming pool was closed and a year later construction begin to rebuild the church to its former glory. In 2000, the new Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was consecrated.

Exploring the cathedral

Behind an imposing façade of white stone and marble and under five golden Byzantine-style domes , the  enormous interior  is equally as spectacular as the exterior. Polished granite and stone floors in striking colours lie below magnificently decorated frescoes and altars .

In line with its original dedication, the icons, images and sculptures which fill the church pay tribute to those who gave their lives for the country during the Patriotic War of 1812.

One of the most interesting things to do when visiting the cathedral is climbing up to the domes, which have several exterior terraces offering beautiful panoramic views over Moscow .

Worth a visit

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow is the second tallest Orthodox temple in the world and one of the most important places of worship in the city, along with the beautiful Saint Basil's Cathedral . It is worth a visit especially to enjoy the panoramic views it offers.

Being located very close to the Pushkin Museum  means you can make the most of your time in the area of the city and visit both on the same day!

Ulitsa Volkhonka, 15.

Daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Opening times may vary according to the date.

Free entry. Climbing up the domes: 400 RUB.

Metro : Kropotkinskaya, línea 1.

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Museum of Cosmonautics

Moscow's Cosmonautics Museum is dedicated to showcasing the important role Russia played in the space race during the 20th century.

GUM Galleries

Located in the heart of Moscow, in the mythical Red Square, the GUM department store is the most important shopping centre in Russia. Luxury boutiques in an elegant arcade makes this one of the city's top places of interest.