Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, street scenes and heritage architecture
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This medieval cathedral is the oldest church in the city and combines a wide range of architectural styles, including gothic, Roman and neoclassical.

The Lisbon Cathedral (the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa) is a must-see for lovers of architecture. It is the oldest religious structure in Lisbon and has been modified several times, so it reflects many different architectural styles.

Wander through the cathedral to see evidence of design from the Romanesque, gothic and baroque periods. The first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, commissioned this church on the site of a former mosque. Since then, it has served as a Roman Catholic Church and the seat of the diocese of Lisbon.

One of the cathedral’s most impressive elements is the fortress-like façade that was built in the 12th century. The façade provided a menacing appearance so that the cathedral could be used to protect guards during a siege.

Wander around to the west-facing façade, which still has a number of eye-catching original details. Note the Romanesque motifs at the top of the portal’s sculptured columns.

Walk inside to view the dramatic gothic vault. Look for the baroque-style sacristy that was erected in the 17th century. Walk up to the neoclassical main chapel where King Afonso’s tomb is preserved. You can also see the font where Saint Anthony of Padua was said to have been baptized in 1195 A.D.

King Dinis of Portugal commissioned the construction of a gothic-style cloister on the east side of the cathedral at the end of the 13th century. It was substantially damaged in an earthquake but the remains are still visible today.

The Lisbon Cathedral is located in the Alfama district. Arrive by tram or on foot from other attractions in the historic center. There’s a small fee to see the cloister and sacristy.

The cathedral is open Monday through Friday. Visit in the mornings to avoid the crowds. It is a particularly beautiful time to visit when the morning light streams through the windows.

As Janelas Verdes Inn, a Lisbon Heritage Collection
Eurostars Universal Lisboa
Lisboa Carmo Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Lisbon Cathedral

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
214
" "5 - Excellent 34.294871794871796%
4 - Good
331
" "4 - Good 53.044871794871796%
3 - Okay
73
" "3 - Okay 11.698717948717949%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9615384615384616%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Oct 2019

The treasury was worth a visit as there are several interesting items on display

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Sep 2019

Very plain - most unlike most catholic cathedrals

5/5 - Excellent

Aileen
11 Sep 2019

One of many beautiful Churches in and around the City. I would also recommend a stop on route to the Cathedral to visit the Church of St Anthony and the crypt. Be prepared for climb if you intend walking.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
26 Jul 2019

Don’t pay the extra €2.50 to enter the far end as most of it is shut as the rebuild the cloisters

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
18 Jul 2019

Just looked at the outside.

3/5 - Okay

Steve
23 Mar 2019

Disappointing facade and the inside is very bare. Not worth a special visit

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