Located in the historic Alfama district, the Sé de Lisboa, or Lisbon Cathedral, is the oldest church in the city, built in the 12th century. Standing as a great example of Portuguese resilience, the cathedral has withstood earthquakes, fires and numerous renovations over the centuries.
Sé de Lisboa is not only a place of worship but also a captivating place for architecture and history enthusiasts. In this guide, I’ll tell you all about the Sé de Lisboa, from how to get there to its long history.
Trust me, knowing all of these things beforehand can make your visit much more meaningful!
Lisbon Cathedral – in a nutshell
- Highlights: baptismal font of St. Anthony, cloisters, rose window
- Opening hours: daily, 9 am – 7 pm
- Best time to visit: morning
- Tickets: website
- Address: Largo da Sé, 1 1100-585 Lisboa
- Nearest metro station: Rossio
Index
- Highlights of Sé de Lisboa
- How to get tickets?
- Opening hours and best time to visit
- How to get there?
- Other information
- Nearby attractions
- History
- Architecture
1. Highlights of Sé de Lisboa
The Lisbon Cathedral is a blend of history, architecture, and spirituality. With its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, great variety of artworks, and religious relics, there are a lot of things worth checking out during your visit! Here are a few highlights to look out for:
1.1. Baptismal Font of St. Anthony
The Sé de Lisboa holds an important piece of religious history: the baptismal font where Saint Anthony was baptized, located near the main entrance.
This font represents centuries of religious ceremonies and traditions, a must-see for those interested in historical religious practices!
The connection between the saint and Lisbon is such that every year on June 13th, the city celebrates St. Anthony’s Day. The festivities include a procession through the Alfama district, where Sé de Lisboa is located, adding to the cathedral’s spiritual importance.
1.2. Cloisters
The cloisters at Sé de Lisboa were designed in a Gothic style similar to the cloisters at Jerónimos Monastery, though on a smaller scale. There, you’ll be able to see excavated remains from various periods of Lisbon’s history, including Roman, Arab, and Medieval artifacts.
There is a small fee to enter this part of Lisbon Cathedral to help support maintenance and archaeological research. I highly recommend visiting it!
1.3. Treasury
The Treasury of Sé de Lisboa, located in the upper part of the cathedral, holds a rich collection of religious artifacts. It features four halls filled with liturgical garments, jewels, and relics from different time periods, as well as embroidered vestments and intricately crafted ecclesiastical jewelry.
To visit the Treasury, you’ll need to explore parts of Sé de Lisboa, which also gives you a look into the church’s historical practices and ceremonies. The displays highlight the evolution of religious art and its role in worship at the cathedral.
1.4. Rose Window
The Rose Window at Sé de Lisboa is a beautiful example of stained glass art. It goes beyond its architectural purpose, showing off the skill of medieval craftsmen who created such detailed designs from basic materials.
Despite suffering severe damage from the 1755 earthquake, the window was carefully restored using fragments of the original glass.
It’s an absolutely beautiful piece of work, especially as sunlight passes through the colored panes and fills the cathedral with color. It’s stunning!
1.5. Chapel of Bartholomew Joanes
The Chapel of Bartholomew Joanes is one of the most special chapels of Lisbon Cathedral. Bartholomew, a significant bourgeois of medieval Lisbon, demonstrated his concern for others in his will by mandating worship celebrations in this chapel and founding a hospice for the poor.
It features an impressive set of Renaissance paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, as well as a Gothic portal, French stained glass windows, and a Gothic tomb adorned with the coat of arms and a sculpture of Bartholomew Joanes.
His legacy of compassion and devotion is beautifully preserved in this chapel!
2. How to get tickets?
Visiting the Sé de Lisboa offers a rich historical experience with convenient ticket options for both individuals and groups. You can buy them on-site or online.
Adult tickets are priced at €5, while tickets for children aged 7 to 12 cost €3. Admission is free for children up to 6 years old, making it an affordable outing for families.
Group visits can be arranged by contacting info@sedelisboa.pt. Besides that, clergy members and journalists receive free admission upon presenting professional identification.
The general ticket grants access to the High Choir, the Treasury Museum, and other parts of the church. Entry to the cloisters is available for an additional fee of €2.5.
3. Opening hours and best time to visit
The Sé de Lisboa is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, offering a flexible schedule for visitors.
Meanwhile, the cloisters have seasonal hours. From May to September, they are open daily from 2 pm to 7 pm. From October to April, they are open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm.
The Treasury, which holds various ecclesiastical items, is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
As for the best time to visit, I’d recommend the morning, when it’s usually quieter. However, each time of day provides a different experience, with varied lighting conditions that enhance the beauty of the cathedral and offer unique photo opportunities.
So, if you really love what you’ve seen, it’s worth visiting more than once, at different times!
4. How to get there?
Reaching the Sé de Lisboa is easy, especially if you start from downtown. Walking is a practical option; just follow the route uphill along the tram tracks. It’s a quick 5-10 minute walk that allows you to soak in the city atmosphere as you go.
For those who prefer public transportation or need mobility assistance, trams are a great choice. Tram 28 and Tram 12 have routes that pass near Sé de Lisboa, offering a convenient ride through Lisbon’s streets. From the nearest tram stop, it’s just a short walk to the cathedral entrance, with clear signage to guide you.
Whether you walk or take a tram, accessing Sé de Lisboa is simple and convenient!
5. Other information
Sé de Lisboa is equipped to accommodate visitors with disabilities, with wheelchair ramps available at several entry points to ensure that everyone can access and enjoy the cathedral.
Visitors are advised to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, to respect the site’s religious and cultural significance.
Photography is allowed, but there are restrictions during services. So, I recommend looking for signs or asking staff about the rules before taking pictures to maintain respect for worship and privacy.
Additionally, Sé de Lisboa features a small shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, religious artifacts, and books about the cathedral’s history.
6. Nearby attractions
Near Sé de Lisboa, there are several attractions that are worth visiting, such as the Church of St. Anthony, located across from the cathedral. This place of worship marks the birthplace of Saint Anthony, and features a small museum about his life and contributions to Portugal.
The Aljube Museum of Resistance and Freedom is right next to the Sé de Lisboa. It was once a prison for political prisoners during Portugal’s authoritarian period, and now highlights the country’s struggles for freedom, covering periods from dictatorship to democracy.
Close by, you can also visit the Ruins of the Roman Amphitheater, which provide insights into ancient Rome’s influence in Lisbon, showing how Romans lived and entertained themselves.
7. History of Sé de Lisboa
Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa, is a significant monument in Lisbon, dating back to 1147 after the city’s reconquest by Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king.
Initially built in a Romanesque style, the cathedral has undergone several architectural changes over time, including Gothic additions like cloisters in the 13th and 14th centuries, making it an important historical and religious site.
Sé de Lisboa has faced various challenges, including damage from multiple earthquakes. After the severe 1755 earthquake, it underwent major reconstruction, which introduced Neoclassical and Rococo elements that are evident in the cathedral’s current structure.
Inside, the cathedral houses multiple relics and chapels that add to its spiritual importance. Notable is the relic of St. Vincent de Zaragoza, Lisbon’s patron saint, whose remains were brought after Afonso Henriques’ victory at Cape St. Vincente.
Today, Sé de Lisboa is one of the main attractions in Lisbon, a place where visitors and worshippers come together to maintain its role as a key part of Lisbon’s spiritual and historical heritage.
8. Architecture of Sé de Lisboa
Lisbon Cathedral showcases a blend of architectural styles, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Its exterior looks like a medieval fortress with strong walls, large bell towers, and crenellations.
Designed in the shape of a Latin cross, the cathedral includes three aisles, a transept, a main chapel, and an ambulatory. The original 12th-century Romanesque structure includes a façade with a rose window and detailed sculptured portals.
In the 13th century, a Gothic cloister was added to enhance both aesthetic and spiritual qualities, although it was heavily damaged in the 1755 earthquake. The rebuilding efforts after the earthquake introduced Baroque designs, including the 17th-century sacristy. Neoclassical changes were also made, particularly within Bartolomeu Joanes’ chapel, reflecting ongoing artistic contributions to the site.
9. Spiritual role through the ages
Saint Anthony was baptized and spent his early years near the cathedral, and a cross engraved on a staircase inside marks the site of his first miracle. Since 1958, Sé de Lisboa has hosted the annual Marriages of Saint Anthony event, where multiple couples marry in a ceremony honoring the saint known for supporting love and marriage.
Additionally, Saint Vincent, Lisbon’s patron saint, has had his relics honored here since 1173, after King Afonso Henriques moved them from the Algarve to protect them from Moorish invasions. These relics are kept in an elaborate reliquary in the cathedral’s Treasury, highlighting their long standing significance.
Beyond these historical ties, Sé Cathedral continues to serve its spiritual mission through regular mass services, attracting both locals and visitors seeking comfort and communal prayer. If you want to attend a mass, you can find more details on their official website.
Ready to explore Lisbon’s oldest church?
Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa, offers visitors the chance to appreciate both its interior and exterior architecture that reflect its long history that began in the 12th century.
Each part of the cathedral represents different periods and influences, making it a fascinating site for those interested in gaining insight into Portugal’s religious past, at the same time it offers space for personal reflection.
So, whether you’re drawn by its spiritual significance or architectural beauty, I’m sure you won’t regret visiting the Lisbon Cathedral!
