The Sé Cathedral and surroundings of Porto

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The Sé Cathedral and surroundings of Porto

 

A few hundred meters south of Praça da Libertade and west of Praça da Batalha lies the XV century church of Santa Clara, a Franciscan order in gothic style, with the portal and the talhas douradas inside which were restored respectively in the Renaissance and Baroque Age. The convent raises up next to the ruins of the XII century defense-walls, the Muralha Fernandina, and close to the São Sebastião market and the Sé.

The Cathedral. Built in Romanic style around the XII century, it was subject to massive restoration works during the course of the XVIII century, just like many other religious and civil buildings in Porto. The restorations were led by the Italian architect Nicola Nasoni.

On the left side of the nave stands the Chapel, which altar is an extraordinary example of the skills of the Portuguese silver manufacturers. From the altar one can access the cloister , where the gothic arcades alternate with 7 panels tiled with 18th century azulejos , representing the Canticle of Canticles of Salomon and the life of the Virgin. Saint John’s chapellies in a corner of the cloister, and hosts the sarcophagus of João Gordo, with a beautiful 14th century statue representing Nuestra Signora de Batalha. The beautiful flight of step, another work by Nasoni, leads to the upper gallery, from where one can enjoy a sublime view over the city.

The open space opposite the Cathedral is closed by the Bishop’s palace (1771) and is dominated by a particular obelisque called pelourinho in Manueline Style. From the terrace the sight opens on the entire Old Town , with a delightful panorama over the gazebos and roof windows filling up the lower town. Following the staircase which takes to Praça do Collegio, you will get to the decadent district of Santa Ana, with its narrow lanes and colored façades (but remember to keep your eyes wide open!).

Here is situated the complex including the church of Igreja de São Lourenço and the Museu de Arte Sacra e Arqueologia, a small museum hosting some statues, religious paintings and archaeological manufactures.
Proceeding toward the old Jewish ghetto, in Rua das Flores 15, just a hundred meters north of Praça do Infante stands the church da Misericórdia, with a rococo façade by Nasoni. The church hosts the famous unknown painting Fons Vitae, representing the Royal Family in the act of assisting to a crucifixion.

Igreja de Santa Clara
Largo 1° de Dezembro
Opening times:
Mon- Fri: 9:30am-11:30am; 15pm-19pm

Sé (la cattedrale)
Terreiro da Sé
Opening times:
Mon-Sat.: 8:4am-12:30pm; 14:30pm-18:00pm
Sunday and public holidays: 8:30am-12:30pm; 14:30pm-18:00pm
From April to October the cathedral closing time is at 19:00 pm
Cloister
Opening times:
Mon-Sat.: 9:00am-12:15pm; 14:30pm-17:15 pm
Sunday and public holidays: 14:30pm-17:15 pm
From April to October the closing time is at 18:00 pm.
Tickets: € 3,00

Igreja de São Lourenço e Museu de Arte Sacra e Arqueologia
Largo do Colégio
Opening times:
Tue-Sat.: 10:00am-12:00am; 14:00pm-17:00pm
Tickets: € 2,00

Igreja da Misericórdia e Museu de Arte Sacra
Rua das Flores, 5
Sun-Fri.: 8:00am-12:00am; 14:30pm-17:30pm
Tickets: € 1,50

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Not to miss in Porto

 

» The Old Town

• Praça da Libertade
• Rua de Santa Catarina: dalla Capela das Almas a Praça da Batalha
• Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos
• Praça de Gomes Teixeira: la zona universitaria
• Praça do Infante Dom Henrique
• The Sé Cathedral and surroundings

» Ribeira

» Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

» Vila Nova de Gaia: the wine cellars

» Museums

• Fundaçao Serralves e Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea
• Museu nacional Soares dos Reis
• Centro português de Fotografia
• Solar do Vinho do Porto
• Museu do Carro eléctrico
• Casa da Música