West façade of Porto Cathedral
Located on a hilltop near Douro River and a short (but steep!) walk from the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is an imposing monument and one of the most visited landmarks in the picturesque city of Porto. This image shows the majestic west façade of Porto Cathedral, with twin bell towers and a beautiful stained-glass rose window above the entrance.
The white building adjoining the cathedral is the Casa do Cabido, which houses the Chapter House on the second floor. Visitors purchase tickets and enter through this area of the complex to experience the cathedral itself, its nave, chancel, and side chapels, along with the cloister, sacristy, chapter rooms, and treasury.
The cathedral overlooks Terreiro da Sé, a spacious square surrounded by the Casa do Cabido, the Paço Episcopal (Episcopal Palace), and the old Casa da Câmara. At its center stands a stone pillory (pelourinho), and from the square’s edge you get panoramic views over the Douro River and across to Vila Nova de Gaia. Also in this square is a stone memorial commemorating the arrival in Porto on June 16, 1147, of Crusaders from northern Europe who were sailing toward the Holy Land during the Second Crusade. This event became significant in the Portuguese Reconquista when Bishop Pedro Pitões persuaded the Crusaders to join Afonso Henriques in his campaign to capture Muslim-held Lisbon.
Explore More About Porto Cathedral
Posts
– Porto Cathedral: A Unique Blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque Styles
– Casa do Cabido: A Building for the Porto Cathedral Chapter
– Porto Cathedral Cloister: A Grand Gothic Quadrangle with Baroque Azulejos
Pages
– View of the Interior Showing Romanesque Nave and the Baroque High Altar
– View of the Interior Showing Romanesque Nave and Rose Window
– West Façade with Rose Window and Twin Bell Towers
– Sanctuary with the Magnificent Baroque High Altar
– Rose Window and Pipe Organ
– The Ribbed Vault Above the Crossing
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