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    Sé de Lisboa

    4.4 (34 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Sé de Lisboa Photos

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    Angela T.

    Beautiful church and breathtaking architecture. Even though there were several people visiting, the church was not crowded You are able to walk around freely and pray if you wish. Musicians were preparing for something while we were there, so the church is still actively used.

    Outside view
    James A.

    One of three Catholic churches we visited in Lisbon, Portugal, the Lisbon Cathedral is the heart of the faith in the city, being the oldest and most important, dating back to the 12th century. There are two different paths once you enter the church, choosing a path to admire the inside of the cathedral or to go on a paid self tour.

    Sé de Lisboa
    Bruce K.

    My 100th review in Portugal landed and it's awesome that it is the fabulous and historic Lisbon Cathedral (in Portuguese, Sé de Lisboa). The oldest church in the city, it was originally built in 1147 following the conquest of Lisbon by D. Alfonso Henriques. It was initially a Romanesque style with the gothic cloister being started during the reign of D. Dinis (1261-1325). In 1649, a new sacristy was added, in a mannerist style. The cathedral was heavily damaged by the tremendous 1755 earthquake (estimated at a magnitude of 7.7). The cloisters and many chapels were also ruined by the quake and the fire that followed. The cathedral was partially rebuilt and, in the beginning of the 20th century, was given the appearance that it has today after a profound renovation. The cathedral is open for tours and I would definitely recommend you take the time to appreciate the Treasury which displays a number of liturgical objects that have been preserved. One of the finest is the D. Jose Monstrance that weights more than 17 kilos (all gold and 4,120 precious stones). However, no photos are permitted in the Treasury and there is a guard to ensure this rule is followed. Once you've finished the Treasury, the various chapels and the main hall are amazing. Definitely go upstairs for the full view inside and out. [Review 16583 overall - 100 in Portugal - 93 of 2022.]

    Morris N.

    Love old churches in Europe. We always visit a few in each country we visit. The history and detail in this church is amazing.

    Jennifer S.

    Beautiful artwork and cathedral. Come early as it gets busy but def make your way up the stairs. It's worth it.

    William W.

    Of all the cathedrals we've seen in 79 countries - and we've seen a lot - this one isn't necessarily all that remarkable. But its history is far more thrilling than its actual appearance. Built in 1147, this is now the oldest church in Lisbon and a survivor of several earthquakes. Rather than a stunning tribute to Catholicism like Vatican City's St. Peter's, Moscow's St. Basil's, or Notre-Dame in Paris, this structure is far more modest. In fact, it only stands 39 feet (12 m) tall, so if you go, expect tremendous history but don't go out of your way hoping for a grand basilica.

    Exterior is best view
    Jim R.

    Located high on the hill on the way to St Jores castle, this is the main Catholic Church in Lisbon. Compared to the churches and cathedrals in Spain or Italy, inside the cathedral isn't all that impressive except for its age and ability to last all these centuries. It definitely has the feel of a spiritual place but lacks the Renaissance opulence of more recent churches. Their is no cost to enter the building itself but small fees are collected to get up by the altar. If you happen to be walking by anyway, by all means stop in for 15 minutes but getting a few pictures of the exterior is probably all that you'll really show people back home after you trip.

    Beautiful doors
    Tanja N.

    Lisbon cathedral is one of the most important examples of Portuguese fortification.it is almost 900 years old and it's was hit with various natural disasters (one of them famous 1755 earthquake) and for that reason renovated and modified many times. The cathedral was built by the order of Portugal's first king-Alfonso Henriques. Many people are surprised when they find out that Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and oldest in Western Europe. It is older than Rome, Paris or London by centuries. The original name was Olissipo and it was founded by the Phoenicians. The cathedral itself is one of the oldest buildings in the city. I loved it, it is nothing like any other cathedral I encountered in Europe. It is situated uphill in the busy residential neighborhood with traffic (specifically trams) passing by every few minutes. When I say passing by, they are uncomfortable close to the buildings, nothing like I expected. Usually cathedrals are found surrounded by fountains on open squares, where many worshippers and tourists can mingle around.. well not this one and I liked it. We visited early in the morning and later in a day, on both occasions it was closed. Next time.

    09/06/21
    Michael U.

    The oldest church in the city of Lisbon, built in 1147, this cathedral has survived multiple earthquakes and has been renovated and restored several times. Featuring mixed architecture the Sé de Lisboa is interesting in a way, but far less grand than those in major cities elsewhere and only requires a brief visit.

    The ceiling
    Kanchan B.

    I had walked by the Lisbon Cathedral a couple of times, but each time it was closed and so was super happy, when walking by after our food tour in the Alfama district, to find the doors open and a procession of priests entering the door along with straggling congressional members. I too joined the folks streaming in and having received a flyer, realized it was a mass to celebrate the night before Easter Sunday! There weren't any seats available, but I stood in the back and so actually got a great view of everything that occurred plus also got to drink in the magnificent church decor and architecture plus overall atmosphere. I have to mention that the yellow lights and candles used in the cathedral were just amazing - it cast everything in this hazy, mellow, golden glow. There was also a statue inside that reminded me of the Pieta. Architecturally from outside, the Cathedral doesn't resemble any of the Churches I have seen in other parts of the EU with their fancy curlicues and decorations. Instead it reminds me of an entrance to a fort, with two big towers on each end and a grand door with multiple arches in the middle. Being able to participate in the service and celebrations occurring the night before Easter Sunday at the Cathedral was awesome! I couldn't understand much of anything the sermon was about but the choral hymns sent goosebumps down my arms. There was also a bit where the priest would sing some verses and the congregation would respond and then at one point, everyone stood up and lifted their candles over their head and it was a sea of light - such a magnificent sight and I was lucky to be able to take a photo of this occurrence! Very glad got to observe a service at the Cathedral but this conversely also means I didn't really get to check out the alter and much of the interior, apart from the back, which was where I was standing. I hope to return again! Note - Day 3 of Lisbon, Portugal adventures Yelp 205/ 2019

    Wilson L.

    Cool visit at this beautiful Cathedral. Tons of amazing architecture here, definitely check it out if you're in the area, but not really worth a trip out just to see if it's a journey.

    The street situated in front of the church
    Sophia C.

    A quaint medium sized church that is a must see for all who visit Lisbon of Catholic background. Lisbon is the place St. Anthony was a result the church has plenty of information on St. Anthony. I did not see any nearby dedicated lot but the location is very residential and if you don't mind a brief walk can take in some of the local sights well walking over. I myself found that enjoyable being a visitor.

    classic with the tram
    Alexander H.

    A visit to Lisbon is incomplete without checking out this lovely Cathedral, aka Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major / Santa Maria Maior. Even if you are not that into churches or / and architecture this place will surely amaze you. Construction began over 850 years ago! And it is a National Monument for more than a 100 years. During history is has been modified and renewed several times, nowadays being a bit of a mix of different types of architecture. And an impressive piece of architecture it is. Sitting halfway on a hill, it has a prominent spot in this city. The Tram 28 passes it, making some great pics. Be sure not just to see it from the Tram but to really take time to visit this cathedral. Inside it is as impressive as outside. There's no entrance fee even. Too bad some visitors still can't be quiet in churches. A bit talk I don't mind, but keep it low and be respectful of this place.

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    Sé de Lisboa Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Sé de Lisboa

    A visit to Lisbon is incomplete without checking out this lovely Cathedral, aka Patriarchal Cathedral of St.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    São Vicente de Fora - Exterior of the monastery

    São Vicente de Fora

    3.5(4 reviews)
    0.7 kmSão Vicente de Fora, São Vicente - Graça

    Sao Vicente de Fora is a monastery that was founded in the 1100s, rebuilt in the late 1500s to…read moreearly 1600s, and is dedicated to Saint Vincent. Many Portuguese royalty were buried here. Today the building houses the Diocesan chancery, administrative services, Patriarchal Court, and museum. Admission for a guided tour is currently four euros. Tours may include the Royal Pantheon of the Bragança, daily life at the monastery, azulejos tiles that depict historical scenes, the royal burials, the Patriarchate of Lisbon, and the building architecture. Furthermore, visitors may climb to the roof to view the surrounding Alfama neighborhood. On vacation my husband and I made a brief stop here. We admired the monastery's beautiful architecture and surrounding neighborhood.

    While touring Lisbon our guide took us to the church and monastery of Sao Vincente. While the…read morechurch was beautiful, the experience at the monastery was very negative. We walked into the monastery to find a man accepting payment to enter. Payment was €4/person. One could also use the toilets for €0.50/person. We decided we wanted to use the bathroom before visiting the monastery. I asked the worker about the bathrooms and immediately he was surly. "Yes, there are bathrooms." There were 4 of us (€2 total). The smallest bill I had was a €10. He looked at me and said, "no." I apologies and said that a €10 note was the smaller I had. He still said no. I don't if he didn't have change or if he just didn't want to do it, but regardless he was rude and uninviting. Because of his bad attitude we decided not to visit the monastery.

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    São Vicente de Fora
    São Vicente de Fora
    São Vicente de Fora - Inside

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    Inside

    Sé de Lisboa - churches - Updated May 2026

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