Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

10/10/2026

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) is the oldest church in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It was begun in 1147, soon after the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, took the city from the Moors. It was built on the site of the old main mosque. With its two strong towers and thick walls, the cathedral looks a little like a fortress. Over the centuries it was changed many times, and it was damaged by several earthquakes, including the great earthquake of 1755. Today it mixes Romanesque, Gothic and later styles, and it is one of the most important historic buildings in the city.

What to See

The façade, with its twin towers and large round rose window, is the classic image of the cathedral. Inside, the church is simple and dark, with heavy Romanesque arches and old stone tombs. Behind the main church is the Gothic cloister, where archaeologists have found the remains of Roman streets and Moorish buildings under the ground. The treasury displays precious objects, such as religious silverwork and old clothing of the priests. A famous photo spot is in front of the cathedral, where the yellow tram 28 passes by on its way through the old town.

How to Get There and Practical Information

The cathedral stands between the Baixa and the Alfama district, a short walk uphill from Commerce Square. Tram 28 and tram 12 stop right outside. There is an entrance fee, which includes the cloister and the treasury. The cathedral is an active church, so it may be closed to visitors during services. Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets around it are steep. It is easy to combine a visit with São Jorge Castle and the viewpoints of the Alfama nearby.