The must-see Porto Cathedral and the beautiful Bishop’s Palace
Discover one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country!
One of the most famous sights in Oporto is Sé do Porto or Porto Cathedral. The building stands high on top of a hill, offering stunning views. But the interior is just as beautiful! I visited the famous cathedral in Porto on a rainy day in December, which proved to be the perfect spot when the weather wasn’t great. Let’s take a closer look and discover what there is to see inside the cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace next door!
What to expect when visiting Porto Cathedral
Discover Sé do Porto
Porto Cathedral, or Sé do Porto in Portuguese, is a National Monument in the heart of Oporto. Porto Sé Cathedral is near the former city walls that once protected Oporto. It is located on a high hill overlooking the old town. To get to the cathedral from the old centre is a climb, so you might want to grab a taxi uphill!
Construction of the Porto Cathedral began in the 12th and 13th centuries but has been rebuilt and renovated on several occasions. It’s no surprise you’ll spot many different architectural styles! The Romanesque-Gothic building underwent major remodelling in the Baroque period in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can even still see the appearance of a fortress church with battlements!
The rose window dates back to the twelfth century, and the Baroque loggia was added in 1736 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. The entire monument underwent major restoration work during the 1930s.
What to see inside the Cathedral in Porto
The façade
From the outside, Porto Cathedral might look a bit plain. However, you will discover two square towers, both crowded with a cupola. The highlights are the Romanesque rose window and the Baroque-style porch.
Although many styles were added throughout the years, the façade remained mostly Romanesque.
The views from the square in front of the cathedral are amazing, so even if you don’t see the church and cloisters from inside, this Porto viewpoint alone is worth it!
The cloister inside Porto Cathedral
One of the most beautiful highlights at Sé do Porto is the Gothic-style cloister built during King John I’s reign. The cloister, which dates back to the fourteenth century, is located inside Porto’s Cathedral.
The cloister is beautifully decorated with azulejo tiles, which depict scenes from the Song of Songs about the mystical dialogue between God and the Virgin, and the cathedral’s patron saint. The terrace contains even more tile panels made by António Vidal.
The Treasure Room and the Chapter Room
You can also reach the Cathedral Treasure (Casa do Cabildo), where you find the most precious possessions.
In the Chapter House, you will find a beautiful ceiling painted with allegories of moral values by Giovani Battista Pachini.
The chapels inside Porto’s Cathedral
The Gothic funerary chapel of Knight João Gordo was added around 1333, and his tomb is richly decorated. João Gordo was a Knight Hospitaller who worked for King Dinis I of Portugal.
Another baroque chapel is dedicated to Saint Peter, and the Saint-Vincent Chapel is equally beautiful and covered with blue and white azulejo tiles.
Or discover the famous Silver Altar (altar de prata) in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s known as a fundamental work of Portuguese gold smithery!
Santos Pacheco designed the High Altar, which Miguel Francisco da Silva executed. It also contains the stunning statue of the Holy Lady of Vandoma.
The Bishop’s Palace Porto
Don’t leave just yet, as you can also visit the Bishop’s Palace Porto next door! The Episcopal Palace of Porto was the residence of the bishops, and the original building was built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
It is believed Nicolau Nasoni drew to the plan for the current palace in 1734. You’ll enjoy stunning baroque and rococo architecture, and the immense palace dominates the skyline in Porto.
The staircase is the highlight of the Bishop’s Palace, and once you’re upstairs, you’ll discover many more rooms. You can buy a ticket at the entrance of Porto Cathedral. I highly recommend visiting both buildings, and there is a nice coffee place inside, too!
Porto Cathedral tickets
You don’t need a ticket to see the Catholic church, and you can visit this part for free. You will need a ticket to see the cloisters, which costs € 3,00 for adults. Children under 11 can enter for free.
If you purchase the Porto Card, you receive a discount, and tickets to Porto Cathedral cost € 2,00 per person.
There are also combination tickets available. One ticket combines the Porto Cathedral with a Live fado show (including a glass of port wine). The other is a full-day city tour by bus. This ticket also includes a boat cruise, lunch, and visiting a wine cellar.
Sé do Porto opening times
From April to October, the Cathedral of Porto is open daily from 9 AM until 6.30 PM. During the winter months, between November and March, it is closed until 5.30 PM. During Christmas and Easter, Cathedral Oporto is closed. There is a mass each Sunday and on special holidays at 11 AM. You can attend mass for free!
How to get to Cathedral Porto
Sé Catedral do Porto is located at Terreiro da Sé in the Batalha neighbourhood. The nearest metro station is São Bento, and it’s only a 4-minute walk from the train station. You can reach São Bento by taking Line D.
Several buses stop at Largo Primeiro de Dezembro, such as lines 905, 303, 400, and 904. Sé do Porto is located high on a hill, but thankfully, the Blue Route of the hop-on, hop-off bus in Porto also stops right at the entrance.
Other must-see sights and activities in Porto!
- The Clérigos Tower and Church
- São Francisco Church
- See the famous bridges during a boat cruise
- Lello Bookstore
- Bolsa Palace
- All Porto highlights!
- The best things to do on a rainy day!
- Enjoy a Port wine tasting in the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
FAQ
Conclusion
Construction of the Romanesque-style cathedral began in the 12th century. Porto Cathedral was initially built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles, but in the 17th and 18th centuries, major Baroque-style parts were added. This is why Sé do Porto has multiple architectural styles, and it is one of the most beautiful structures in the city.
If you like religious monuments, the cathedral should be on your Porto itinerary. Visit the cloister from the Gothic period, the high altar, and the azulejo tiles in the upper part of the building. The museum has some incredible artefacts, and the view from the square in front of the cathedral is amazing! You can see over the old city, the river Douro, and the Dom Luis I bridge.