Porto Cathedral (Porto)
Key Facts
- Original Construction: 12th century (Romanesque)
- Major Additions: Gothic cloisters (14th c.), Baroque nave (18th c.)
- Highlight: Azulejo cloister panels by António Vital Rifarto (18th c.)
- Style: Romanesque / Gothic / Baroque (layered)
Porto Cathedral: A Historic and Cultural Monument
The Sé (Cathedral) of Porto, located in the heart of the historic center of Porto, is one of the main and oldest monuments in Portugal. Its construction began in the first half of the 12th century and continued until the early 13th century. This initial Romanesque-style building underwent many changes over the centuries.
A Journey Through Time: From the Romanesque to the Baroque Era
The general character of the facade with the towers and the beautiful rose window, as well as the three-nave church body covered by a barrel vault, date back to the Romanesque period. The central nave's vault is supported by flying buttresses, making the Sé of Porto one of the first Portuguese buildings to use this architectural element. In the 17th century, the original Romanesque main chapel was replaced by a larger one in the Baroque style. The main altar, built between 1727-1729, is an important work of the Joanine Baroque, with mural paintings by Nasoni.
Transformations and Artistic Riches
In the Gothic period, around the year 1333, the funerary chapel of João Gordo, a knight of the Order of the Hospitallers, was built. The exterior of the Cathedral underwent significant modifications in the Baroque period. Around 1736, the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni added a beautiful Baroque galilee to the Cathedral's lateral facade. The magnificent silver altar, built in the second half of the 17th century, is one of the highlights of this historic cathedral.
Cultural and Religious Importance
Various retables and chapels embody the Marian cult under different titles, such as Our Lady of Vandoma – the latter being the most important, as the patron saint of the city. The Cathedral houses three beautiful organs, one of them in the high choir being a landmark in the organistic development of Portugal.
Visiting the Municipality of Porto
In addition to the Porto Cathedral, the municipality offers a variety of historical and cultural places to explore. Avenida dos Aliados, the heart of the city, is home to the city hall building and is close to São Bento station, famous for its tile panels. Rua de Santa Catarina, the most commercial street in Porto, is a vibrant place with street artists and historical sites like the Chapel of Souls and Café Majestic.
The Mercado do Bolhão, an icon of Porto's tradition, and the vibrant nightlife of Galerias Paris are other must-see attractions. For lovers of literature and architecture, Lello Bookstore, one of the most beautiful in the world, is a mandatory stop. The Clérigos Tower and the Portuguese Centre of Photography are other places of interest that enrich a visit to the municipality of Porto.
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