PORTO CATHEDRAL

Situated right in the historical center of the city, this Roman Catholic church is one of Porto’s oldest buildings as well as among the country’s most important Romanesque monuments. It is located next to the walls that served as a protection for the city once and from the outside, the building has the appearance of a fortress with battlements.

Counted among the most important religious structures in the country, the Porto Cathedral has also been declared a National Monument. It is among the most important Portuguese places to visit for its unique architectural style. The church has the appearance of a fortress with crenels from the outside and the architecture is a mix of various styles. This is because it underwent various renovations and rebuilding over the centuries. While it is predominantly Baroque in style, the façade and the nave are Romanesque, and the cloister and one of the chapels are Gothic in style.

The cathedral is located in Batalha which lies in close proximity to the walls that once protected the city. It sits right in the middle of a square that has a column which was once used for hanging criminals. You can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views over the city, the Douro River and the wine cellars on the waterfront from here.

Highlights

• Visit this historic landmark located in the old town center where the city was initially founded and enjoy witnessing the 12th century Romanesque structure.
• Learn about the various architectural styles that can be seen here because of the constant changes that the church underwent.
• Explore the large square around the Cathedral that was the main ground for all major trade and commerce activities during the Middle Ages.
• Catch some of the best views of the city and the Douro River from the cathedral and once inside you can also see the silver altar, the Sacred Art Museum and the magnificent Gothic cloisters.