04/10/2026
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is the main church of Porto and one of the oldest buildings in the city. It stands on the top of a hill above the old town, in the place where Porto began. The cathedral was built mainly in the 12th and 13th centuries in the Romanesque style. With its two square towers and battlements, it looks a little like a fortress. Over the centuries many parts were added in the Gothic and Baroque styles. The cathedral is part of the Historic Centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to See
Inside, the church is simple and solid, with a rich silver altar in one of the chapels. The highlight is the Gothic cloister, a square courtyard with arches. Its walls are covered with beautiful blue and white tiles, called azulejos, that show religious scenes. From the cloister you can go up to rooms with more tiles and religious art. The large square in front of the cathedral, the Terreiro da Sé, is a great viewpoint over the roofs of Porto, the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge. Next to the cathedral is the old Bishop’s Palace.
How to Get There and Practical Information
The cathedral is in the centre of Porto, a short walk uphill from São Bento station and close to the Dom Luís I Bridge. Entry to the church is free. There is a small fee to visit the cloister and the rooms above it. The cathedral is an active church, so it may be closed to visitors during services. The square in front of it is free and open at all times, and it is a good place to start a walk down to the Ribeira district.
Weather in location: Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), Portugal
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- Wind 4 km/h NW
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