Lisbon's ancient cathedral was built by Portugal's first king on the site
of an old mosque in 1150 for the city's first bishop, the English crusader
Gilbert of Hastings.
From outside (with two bell towers and a splendid
rose window) it resembles a medieval fortress, while inside it appears
predominantly Romanesque, with a Gothic choir and ambulatory.
At the entrance, to the left, is a baptismal font used in 1195 to baptize
Saint Anthony who was born nearby, and in the first chapel on the left is a
beautifully detailed nativity scene.
In the 14th-century cloisters, in what
were once the gardens, there have been excavations which have revealed Roman
and Visigothic remains as well as parts of the former mosque wall.
In the
sacristy is the cathedral treasury with numerous sacred objects, the most
important being the casket containing the remains of St. Vincent, the
official patron saint of Lisbon.
Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Where: Largo da Sé, Alfama
How: Walk up from Baixa or tram 28.
When: 9AM-7PM
Saint
George's Castle - Overlooking the city from millennium-old walls.
Santo
Antonio Church - Saint Anthony's birthplace.
Miradouro das
Portas do Sol - Standing over Alfama's rooftops, domes, and church towers.
Miradouro de
Santa Luzia - Views of the river and Alfama.
São
Vicente de Fora Church - A 16th century monastery with an exceptional tiled interior.
The
National Pantheon - The domed church that took centuries to complete.
Casa
dos Bicos - A 16th century architectural curiosity.
The
Roman Theater - The archaological remains of a once large Roman theater.
Decorative
Arts Museum - A captivating decorative arts collection.
Book your room for free (no booking fees) and pay later at the hotel:
HOTELS SEARCHCentral, stylishly furnished, and cheaper than many hotels:
APARTMENTS SEARCHStylish, award-winning budget accommodation in the city center:
HOSTELS SEARCHSkip the long lines for taxis or the hassle of navigating public transportation when you arrive at the airport, and go straight to your hotel:
AIRPORT TRANSFERSGo on a day trip or on an organized tour around Lisbon:
TOURS & TICKETS SEARCHPlanning to travel around Portugal? Save time and look for the best deals here:
CAR RENTAL SEARCHSave time and money: Get FREE or reduced admission to most of Lisbon's attractions and ride the city's metro, buses, and trams for free with the Lisboa Card:
ORDER YOUR CARDJoin GoLisbon on Facebook for regular updates on what's happening in the city:
GOLISBON FACEBOOK