Porto Cathedral
Sé do Porto
A 12th-century Romanesque fortress-style cathedral with a Gothic cloister covered in 18th-century tile panels. The square in front overlooks the old town from its highest point.
Porto Cathedral sits on the highest hill in the Old Town. Construction began around 1110 and was largely completed by the end of the 12th century. Its heavy Romanesque exterior, with castle-like battlements, makes it one of the most important churches from the early days of the Portuguese kingdom. In 1387, King João I married Philippa of Lancaster, an English princess, here. The wedding scene is the subject of the tile panels at São Bento station. Later, the Gothic cloister (14th century) and Baroque alterations, including the north-side loggia designed by Nasoni and the silver altar of the Blessed Sacrament, made the cathedral a blend of styles. The cathedral itself is free to visit. The highlight is the 14th-century Gothic cloister (about €3). Its walls are covered with 18th-century blue-and-white tile panels depicting the Song of Songs and the life of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can climb to the second level of the cloister and the bishop’s palace tower for views over the city. The broad square in front has an 18th-century pillory (Pelourinho), and its edge is a free viewpoint overlooking Ribeira, the bridge and the Gaia wine cellars, one of Porto’s most classic photo spots. The adjoining Bishop’s Palace and the Barredo old quarter are worth exploring. From the cathedral, the ancient Escadas das Verdades steps lead down to the riverside. Getting there: it is a 5-minute uphill walk from São Bento station, or a 3-minute walk from the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge. Visits are restricted during Mass on Sunday mornings. The nearby Casa do Infante, birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator and now a museum, is also worth a visit.
Opening hours
April–October 9:00 am–6:30 pm; November–March 9:00 am–5:30 pm; corridor same hours
Nearby sights
- Ribeira
- São Bento Railway Station
- Dom Luís I Bridge
- Palácio da Bolsa
- Clérigos Church & Tower
- Church of São Francisco
- Teleférico de Gaia
- Livraria Lello