4.2.2 Sé (Cathedral)

Largo da Sé 1.

Location HERE.

Closed Sundays.

Lisbon’s greatest church is said to have withstood the Great Earthquake of 1755, although it did not emerge totally intact and as it is today. Once upon a time, the authorities depended on donations; now, more sensibly, it costs €5 per person. It’s worth it. Lighting a candle involves a modest extra charge.


CAUTION There are stone steps, and plenty of them, if you go up to the terrace and inside rooms above the south side of the main building. Inside, there are the inevitable Azulejos, and many grand frescoes, one that stands out being a depiction of Salome, still holding a fearsome looking knife in her right hand, presenting the head of John the Baptist with her left.


From the terrace, which is narrow and cannot accommodate so many people at once (please note), you can look down over the Largo da Sé and see all the passing trams, plus yet another line-up of variously desperate TukTuk pilots, their vehicles not quite blocking the road as they wait, mostly in vain, for another booking. You want a tour?


Having taken care with all those steps, back at the ground floor, visitors can explore the myriad small chapels that lead off the south and north naves. There is a discreet gift shop. Respect closed-off areas, and requests for silence, especially when services of prayer are in progress.

Buses 10B and 737; Tram 12 and 28.

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