A visit to the Porto Cathedral. What to visit

The Porto Cathedral, the Sé, is one of the main monuments to visit in this city. It is located in the highest part of Porto and is the most important religious building you can see in the Portuguese city.

It is located in the historic Batalha neighborhood, which can be reached by climbing some of Porto ‘s famous steep hills, and has a fortress-like appearance, like other Portuguese cathedrals that were built alongside walls, with towers and battlements.

Visiting the Sé is one of the essential activities to do in Porto.

What to see in the Porto Cathedral

The Sé de Porto presents a mixture of architectural styles, the result of the different renovations that it has undergone since it was built in the 12th century. For this reason, we can find a Romanesque façade, as well as the body of the church, and a Baroque interior that stands out greatly with its exterior.

The first thing that will catch your eye when you arrive at the Porto Cathedral will be its beautiful façade with its towers and its rose window, although it is the original Romanesque façade as it underwent various modifications in the 18th century. The square where it is located will also surprise you.

After going inside, you will be surprised by its columns and the feeling of narrowness that is not usually present in other cathedrals in the world. But it is only an optical sensation because of its gigantic columns that also make the ships seem much taller.

Gothic is also present, specifically in one of the main points of interest in the Cathedral, the Cloister, built in the 14th century and made up of a series of typical Portuguese tiles depicting different religious scenes. Next to it is the Casa do Cabildo, which houses the Treasury of the Cathedral.

Do not miss the spectacular stairs that take you to this cloister.

The High Altar, in baroque style, is another of the main points you must visit in the Porto Cathedral. It was built in the 18th century, replacing another Romanesque one that had been there since its origins. Also not to be missed are the many baroque side chapels inside.

You can find more information on the official website of the Porto Cathedral.