Catedral do Porto

The Catedral do Porto, known locally as the Sé do Porto, stands on one of the city's highest points and remains one of the oldest and most significant monuments in Portugal. Its origins trace back to the twelfth century, when it was built as a Romanesque fortress-church, and its sturdy granite facade still carries the marks of that military character. Over the centuries the building was enlarged and remodelled, gaining a Gothic cloister decorated with azulejo tile panels and a Baroque chapel designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who left a lasting imprint on Porto's architectural identity.

The cathedral served as the setting for the marriage of King João I and Philippa of Lancaster in 1387, a union that shaped the course of Portuguese and English history. Today visitors can explore the nave, the cloister, and the treasury, which holds a collection of religious art and silverwork accumulated over many centuries. Entry tickets are available for those wishing to visit the interior and take in views across the Douro valley from the cathedral's commanding hilltop position.