Churches in Porto

Sé Cathedral, Porto (Sé do Porto)

Located atop of the "Pena Ventosa”, in a steep part of the old town, the Sé Cathedral is part of Porto’s Historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996 and one of Portugal’s finest cathedrals. Its construction began in the second half of the 12th Century and was originally a building that exemplified Roman architecture, taking about one hundred years to be built. Later, during the gothic period, a funeral chapel and cloisters were added. However, it was in the middle of the baroque period in the 18th Century, under the instructions of the Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni, that the principal alterations were made.  Sé Cathedral is thus the synthesis of three great architectural styles. It also holds one of the most notable collections of tiles and murals.  A definite must on the list of churches, not to be missed!

Terreiro da Sé - 4050-573 Porto
T.: +351 222 059 028

São Francisco Church (Igreja de São Francisco)

History points to construction beginning in 1244, when it was originally designed as a modest temple of small dimensions, probably with only one nave.  However, it was in the reign of D. Fernando in the 15th century that the main building work continued as it remains today, resulting in three naves. In the centuries that followed, the church became the object of several artistic influences, the main one being the baroque period, during which time renovation work gave the temple its current status as a church lined with gold.

Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto

Cedofeita Church (Igreja de Cedofeita)

The church of St Martin of Cedofeita is considered to be the oldest church in Oporto, having been built by the Suebi King Reciário, in the year 446 and is steeped in mysterious legends.  It is a church with only one, totally domed, central nave, which makes it unique. Its interior decoration is incredibly rich and it is also own as the Roman Church of Cedofeita.

Rua da Igreja de Cedofeita, 4050 Porto