Porto Cathedral — Attraction in Porto

The Sé Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to Porto. It is one of the oldest and most important churches in Portugal, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is located in the heart of the city's historic center, and it is a short walk from many other popular attractions.

The construction of the Sé Cathedral began in the 12th century, and it was completed in the 18th century. The cathedral is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. The exterior of the cathedral is impressive, but it is the interior that is truly stunning. The cathedral is home to a number of beautiful works of art, including azulejos (Portuguese tiles). The azulejos depict religious scenes, historical figures, and everyday life. They are a beautiful and unique addition to the cathedral.

In addition to the azulejos, the cathedral is also home to a number of other interesting features. The cloister is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The treasury houses a collection of religious artifacts. The tower offers stunning views of the city.

If you are visiting Porto, I highly recommend taking the time to see the Sé Cathedral. It is a beautiful and historic building that is well worth a visit.

Here are some additional details about the azulejos in the cathedral:

The azulejos are made of tin-glazed ceramic. They are hand-painted and decorated with a variety of colors and designs. The azulejos were made in Portugal, but they were also imported from other countries, such as Spain and the Netherlands. The azulejos depict a variety of religious scenes, historical figures, and everyday life. The azulejos are a beautiful and unique addition to the cathedral. I hope this review is helpful. Please let me know if you have any...

Visiting Porto Cathedral was one of the highlights of my trip to this beautiful Portuguese city. This stunning 12th-century Romanesque cathedral stands majestically atop one of Porto's highest hills, offering not only religious significance but also breathtaking views of the city below.

The cathedral's imposing granite exterior immediately commands attention, with its fortress-like appearance reflecting its historical importance. Upon entering, I was struck by the beautiful blend of architectural styles that tell the story of its evolution through the centuries - from Romanesque origins to Gothic cloisters and Baroque additions.

The intricate blue and white azulejo tiles in the Gothic cloister are simply magnificent, depicting biblical scenes with remarkable detail. The silver altar in the chapel is another standout feature that showcases exceptional Portuguese craftsmanship.

What makes this cathedral particularly special is how it has maintained its authentic character. Unlike some over-restored historical sites, Porto Cathedral retains a raw, weathered beauty that connects visitors directly to its medieval roots.

The modest entrance fee makes this an accessible cultural experience. I'd recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and to fully appreciate the peaceful...

The walls of the cloister are decorated with outstanding azulejo. These ceramic tiles depict different scenes. The sacristy is nice. There is quite a bit of restoration work going on though, so some things are obscured or have scaffolding. After visiting the church you can go up to the terrace.

Entrance is €3 with discounts for students. Low entrance fee and the fact it's a large cathedral with much to see mean it is worth the cost. There was a queue to get in and that day a cruise ship was in town, so there were big tour groups from off the ship visiting. We had to to wait about 15mins before getting to the ticket office lady. Those doing the Camino can get their credentials here.

We were in a rush as we'd booked to visit the Livraria Lello. So, had to make our way round as quickly as possible. Missed out on going up the tower. Left after about 15mins, which is the very bare minimum time to spend here. You need at least 30mins and should really aim to spend an hour looking round properly and admiring all the details.

You can also visit the episcopal palace next door, but we didn't have time. It's near the Luis I bridge, so you can combine your visits.

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