Arcade and Courtyard
Captured from the south terrace of the cloister, this view shows the arcade on the lower level surrounding the courtyard with its crucifix. The arcade on the opposite side (north side) adjoins the main body of the Porto Cathedral. The crucifix has a figure of the Virgin Mary that faces cathedral.
As seen in the image, each bay of the arcade has trefoil (three-lobed) pointed arches on slender paired colonnettes, with an oculus (round window) above. Between each group of arches, a solid buttress pier projects into the courtyard, rising from the ground to the roofline. Unlike a true flying buttress — which spans open space with an arch — this is a solid mass of masonry built directly against the wall, helping to counter the outward thrust of the vaulted ceiling above the arcade.
The square courtyard is surrounded by the arcaded galleries, with a crucifix atop a shaft, standing on a three-tiered hexagonal base.
Explore More About Porto Cathedral and Cloister
– Porto Cathedral: A Unique Blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque Styles
– Northwest Corner – Gothic Arcade Meets the Bell Tower
– Terrace Corner with Azulejo Murals
– Porto Cathedral Cloister: Azulejo Panel Depicting Song of Songs Scene
– Porto Cathedral Cloister: Rib-Vaulted Arcade with Azulejo Panels
– Porto Cathedral: West Façade with Rose Window and Twin Bell Towers
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