Porto Se Cathedral
- Address: Oporto
- Hours: Open daily 8:30am - 12:30pm and 2:30pm - 7pm. Closed on religious holidays
- Admission: Free. Admission to Sacristy, Treasury, and Cloisters: € 2
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Church / Cathedral
Originally a Romanesque church from the 12th century, the Porto Se Cathedral was rebuilt with a Gothic style about 600 years later. Like other major churches in northern Portugal, this twin-towered cathedral boasts remodeling design by the famed Italian architect and painter Nicolau Nasoni. Perhaps this is why the western façade and interior are undeniably Romanesque. Visitors should take note of its gilded main altar and its silver Altar of the Sacrament.
On the left hand aisle is the statue of Oporto’s patron saint, Nossa Senhora de Vendoma. The interior is decorated by azulejos (blue ceramic tiles), installed in the 18th century.
Apart from the church’s architectural treasures, it is also famed for its view – the terraces on the north and the west sides of the church provide stunning photo opportunities for capturing Oporto’s labyrinthine streets and dwellings.
Latest Reviews
Review by Diane A, April 2013
Doing what: Porto Bike Tour
I must admit when we arrived in Porto and saw how hilly it was I was a bit nervous about our intended cycle tour, but it was so well-planned with interesting regular stops it wasn't dificult at all! Emma was a fantastic guide, really passionate about Porto and willing to answer all our questions. We had a fab time and would highly recommend this tour.
Review by Jennifer G, Australia, March 2013
Doing what: Day Trip to Douro
Even in Winter this tour was amazing. There were only 6 of us and I was told the maximum is 8 people so it's a personalised tour and you don't feel like sheep. We stopped in Amarante and enjoyed some Portuguese cakes, a church and a market. We also stopped at the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios church which was beautiful, make sure you climb up or down all the steps - beautiful surrounding forest!! There were 2 wine tasting stops which were great and a very filling and delicious lunch in Paseo de Regua. We also had a couple of viewing stops to take lovely photos! Our guide was very knowledgable and so friendly!! She answered any questions we had. Overall, the tour was a fun, relaxing day trip which was extremely good value. My boyfriend and I are only 19 and 20, but the other people on the tour were in their 60s and all travellers involved (no matter what their age!) had a ball!
Review by Matula, November 2012
Doing what: Day Trip to Douro
Excellent Guide, beautiful scenery, and great food and wine.
Practical Info
If planning a walking tour of Oporto, the cathedral should be focal point as it is not only one of Oporto’s most important monuments, but one of Portugal’s, as well.
Inside the church, you will find a marble plaque memorializing the lives lost reclaiming the cathedral from the Spanish soldiers that briefly held it during the Battle of Amarante during the War of the Oranges. Most interesting is that the plaque is backed with magnetite for the purpose of drawing travelers’ attention to the church and the plaque by scrambling their compasses.
The Se Cathedral is near the center of town, but before you visit it or any other attraction in Porto, you may want to take a few hours and get a crash course in Portuguese. Also found in the center of town is the Fast Forward Language Institute, which offers a variety of language courses, including a 3 hour-long "Portuguese for survival" course. After taking this course, practice reading the church's informational literature, then practicing speaking at a bar or restaurant on the Ribeira.
