Sé Patriarcal

Largo da Sé, Alfama
Lisbon

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00 am to 19:00 pm
Monday and Sunday, 09:00 am to 17:00 pm


The Sé Patriarcal, known also as Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa or Sé de Lisboa, is the most significant cathedral in the Lisbon's Alfama district, as well as the oldest church in the city. It was built in 1147 by a Portugal's first king Afonso Henriques for the first city's bishop, the English crusader - Gilbert of Hastings. This, originally Romanesque, building was modified several times, particularly in 14th century, and also in 18th century after the great earthquake in 1755, when it had been partly destroyed. Currently it shows an unusual combination of different architectural styles. The main facade, stretched between two bell towers, presents medieval architecture, while the interior is dominated by a Romanesque and Gothic influences.

The cathedral, in its interior, houses numerous sacred objects of a great historical and religious importance, in example, the baptismal font, where the Saint Anthony was baptized in 1195, the tomb of that Lisbon's patron saint, and the 14th century sarcophagus of Lopo Fernandes Pacheco.