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The must-see Porto Cathedral and the beautiful Bishop’s Palace
If you’re visiting Porto, chances are you’ll come across Sé do Porto, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, that’s even more impressive in person.
Porto Cathedral is located on a high hill, and the cathedral offers stunning views over the city, but the interior is just as impressive.
We visited the cathedral on a rainy day in December, and it turned out to be the perfect place to escape the weather while still exploring one of Porto’s highlights.
Beyond the main church, the complex also includes the Bishop’s Palace next door, adding even more to see during your visit.
Here’s what to expect, what not to miss, and how to make the most of your time at Porto Cathedral.
What to expect when visiting Porto Cathedral
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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 in 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 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 €4.00 for adults. Children under 11 can enter for free.
If you purchase the Porto Card, you receive up to 25% discount.
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.
Things to see near Porto Cathedral
There is a lot more to see in the area of the cathedral, and we have a few route recommendations outlined for you. The first starts at the terrace in front of the cathedral, and from here you can walk down a bit to one of the best viewpoints in Porto, called Miradouro da Rua das Aldas.
If you follow the maze of streets towards the Ribeira area, you’ll also pass the colourful houses on Largo da Pena Ventosa, and when you continue further down you’ll end near the Bolsa Palace and Church of São Francisco.
Another route will take you across the Ponte Luís I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. This is the area where you can enjoy a Port wine tasting in the famous cellars! This area is also home to WOW Porto, where you find sights such as the Wine Experience Museum and the Pink Palace.
The third option will take you to the São Bento train station where you can see the beautiful azulejo tiles. Take a look inside or enjoy a lunch at the Time Out Market. From the station you can continue your way to the Clérigos Tower and the bookshop Livraria Lello.
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FAQ
Is there a dress code for the Porto Cathedral?
Porto Cathedral is a religious monument, and although there is no strict dress code, common sense goes a long way. You can show your arms and legs, but some modesty is required. So, watch the length of skirts and shorts, or bring something to cover up a little!
How old is the Porto Cathedral?
The Porto Cathedral was built in the 12th century, but had many additions in later years. The Gothic cloister dates back to the 14th century, and the façade and loggia in baroque architecture were added by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in 1736.
How much does it cost to go to the Porto Cathedral?
Porto Cathedral tickets cost €4.00 for adults if you want to visit the cloister. Children under 11 can enter the Cathedral Porto for free. The church itself is free to visit.
Is Porto Cathedral worth a visit?
The Porto Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in the city. The cloister is especially beautiful, as it is richly decorated with tiles, and the church has many chapels. Visiting Porto Cathedral, Portugal, is therefore well worth a visit, and it gives an understanding of the country’s history.
Is Porto Cathedral on your itinerary?
If you’re visiting Porto, Sé do Porto is definitely worth a stop, especially if it’s your first time in the city.
It’s not just about the cathedral itself, but the full experience: from exploring the cloisters and museum, to enjoying the incredible views over the Douro River and the historic centre.
It’s also a great place to visit when the weather isn’t ideal, since there’s plenty to see inside while still feeling like you’re ticking off one of Porto’s top landmarks.
Plan to spend around an hour here, and take some time to enjoy the viewpoint in front of the cathedral. It’s one of the best in the city. Add another 45 minutes to see the Bishop’s Palace next door!
Other Porto must-see attractions:
- 25 best sights in Porto for your itinerary
- Discover the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa
- Best Porto boat tours, including the 6 Bridges Cruise
- Miradouros Porto: 8x fantastic viewpoints with the best panoramic views
- Livraria Lello bookstore, the most beautiful bookstore in the world!
- Clérigos Tower tickets, opening times and things to see
- The must-see Porto Cathedral and the beautiful Bishop’s Palace
- 20 ideas for what to do in Porto when it rains
- Discover the beautiful golden São Francisco Church
- Book an amazing Port Wine tasting in Porto
- Visit the Wine Experience Museum at the WOW District
- Love rosé wine? Visit the Pink Palace at WOW!
- Beautiful contemporary art at the Serralves Museum
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