Portugal-Basilica

The Basilica de Santa Maria Maior, often called Lisbon Cathedral or simple Sé de Lisboa is a Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Lisbon in the Alfama district. It is one of the largest constructions of Romanesque origin in Portugal and also the oldest church in the city. The origins of the church date back to the 12th century. After the conquest of the city by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, the construction of a church quickly begun on a site on which a mosque had stood until then. Over the centuries the church has been destroyed several times by earthquakes and rebuilding the cathedral has resulted in continual change of appearance.

It was a beautiful day so we walked from our apartment to the Cathedral.

We are on Rua Pedras Negras and approaching the Cathedral, this is the side of the Cathedral.

Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived many earthquakes and has been modified, renovated and restored several times. It is nowadays a mix of different architectural styles. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.

Sturdy as a medieval fortress, the facade is dominated by two robust bell towers.

After suffering extensive damage during the many devastating earthquakes that rocked Lisbon, the present Cathedral was rebuilt in the 20th century giving the structure a predominantly medieval appearance, evident in the thick stone walls and fortress-like towers. In the 18th century two Baroque spired were added and were later removed in order to emphasize the Romanesque style.

The western façade sports an impressive rose window (in the center) above the arched main door which is sandwiched between two crenellated and buttressed lateral towers.

You will see the Rose window from inside later in this page.

Gothic arches on the front portico.

The entrance of the Cathedral.

We are now entering the Cathedral.

Huge wooden Portico with intricate metal design.

Buying tickets to get in the Cathedral- The cost is 4 euros/person.

We are on our way to the 2nd floor to the High Choir and we are just walking though a nice vaulted corridor.

We are now going up. On the right is a loophole (narrow slits in the walls) to allow a person in the inside of the castle to see potential attackers.

The iron cross has a history as Fernando Martins born in 1190, and during his studies at the school of this Cathedral, he was here tempted by the devil and repelled him with the sign of the cross, which was engraved on this wall. This was the first of many miracles performed by God through the same Saint, Antonio de Lisboa. So tells the legend to make it unforgettable. He died in 1231 and buried in Padua.

Stairs leading the High Choir

Looking down at the nave from the High Choir which is located on the 2nd floor and set above. From there you can see the entire nave with the chancel at the end.

The High Choir was built in 1952 and supported by beautiful tall concrete beams.

It is also a privileged place to observe one of the icons of the Lisbon Cathedral: the huge and splendid rose stained glass window that is prominent from the outside of the Cathedral.

The window represent the twelve Apostles around the central figure is Christ the Savior.

The window were executed in 1930 by the Ricardo Leone Factory based on the reconstitution of several fragments found on the ancient rosace, destroyed after the earthquake of 1755.

There is balcony that you can step out to enjoy the view of the city.

Beyond the rooftop, is the Tagus river and in the distance is the Ponte (bridge) do 25 de Abril that is really similar to the Golden gate which the same color and it is also a suspension bridge.

More view of the city from the balcony of the Cathedral.

Entering the Treasury- No camera is allowed inside so we could not take any pictures inside.

Inside the Treasury is a collection of illuminated manuscripts, silverware, sculptures, and a priceless monstrance from the 18th century, made of precious gems.

We are done with the 2nd floor and we are now going to 1st floor.

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