The Lisbon Cathedral (the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa) is the city’s spiritual centre. As one of Lisbon’s oldest religious buildings, it has been remodelled several times. Enjoy it as a stunning compilation of shifting architectural styles.
Inside and out, the cathedral boasts the influence of the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods. The cathedral’s fascinating history begins in the 12th century. After the defeat of the Moors, Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, commissioned this church on the site of a former mosque. Since then, it has remained Lisbon’s Roman Catholic centre, and houses the city’s seat of the diocese.
From the outside, admire the cathedral’s imposing façade. Its fortress-like style reflects the medieval age. Such a menacing appearance acted as a deterrent in the event of a siege.
On the west-facing façade, spot a number of authentic Romanesque features. Look to the tops of the cathedral’s exterior columns and notice motifs of the era perched on their spires.
Inside the cathedral, the Gothic style gives its main chamber the feeling of weightlessness. Note the baroque influence on the 17th sacristy. In the main chapel, King Afonso’s tomb is preserved and surrounded by neo-classical decorations. Take a guided tour and learn about the font where Saint Anthony of Padua was supposedly baptised in 1195.
On the east side of the cathedral, discover the Gothic-style cloister that was commissioned by King Dinis of Portugal. This gloomy monastery was built in the 13th century, but was greatly damaged during an earthquake in the 1700s. A number of remains are still visible for curious visitors.
Find the Lisbon Cathedral in the historic Alfama district. Get there by tram or on foot from around this historic district. The cathedral is open on weekdays and charges a small admission fee for the cloister and the sacristy.
The cathedral is best visited early when crowds are scarce. The mornings are also particularly beautiful inside, when the sun’s first rays stream through the windows.
