Porto Cathedral

The Sé Cathedral of Porto

The Porto audio-guided tour leads you to the Sé, the cathedral of Porto, set on the heights of the city, with the appearance of a fortress church.

A fortress cathedral

Built in the twelfth century and rebuilt several times, the cathedral presents a harmonious but heterogeneous ensemble. While the Baroque dominates, its façade with two square towers and its Romanesque-style body give it the appearance of a fortress church, raised near the walls that once protected the city. The interior, with bare walls and sober decoration, highlights the volumes of the great columns and the height of the nave. The elegant Gothic cloister, whose galleries are adorned with azulejos retracing the life of the Virgin Mary, is worth the detour. It is in the Sé that the marriage of John I and Philippa of Lancaster was celebrated.

What there is to see

The Sé Cathedral invites contemplation through its austere appearance of a fortress church and the sobriety of its nave. Its Gothic cloister, adorned with azulejos telling the life of the Virgin, is a jewel not to be missed. Perched on the heights, it offers fine views over Porto and constitutes a major monument of the city, laden with history.

Practical information

The Sé Cathedral stands on the heights of the old town of Porto. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for the services, according to hours to be checked on site; access to the cloister is generally subject to a charge.

Why does the Sé resemble a fortress?

By its façade with two square towers and its Romanesque body, raised near the old walls that protected the city.

What is remarkable about the cloister of the Sé?

Its Gothic galleries adorned with azulejos that retrace the life of the Virgin Mary.