Coímbra Old Cathedral

Visit the Sé Velha or Coímbra Old Cathedral and admire one of the most beautiful Romanesque monuments of Portugal.

Coímbra Old Cathedral
© Hugo Carriço

The Sé Velha or Coímbra Old Cathedral dates from the 13th century and was opened for worship in 1184. It is one of the most stunning Romanesque monuments in Portugal. Outside, it has a fort-church appearance thanks to the project of the French Master Roberto.

The main facade has Islamic influenced decoration, while the side door, known as Porta Epeciosa Door, is attributed to the sculptor Jean de Rouen, and it counts with an elegant Renaissance decoration.

On its inside, along the side naves, is distributed the triforium gallery. It should be emphasized the Flamboyant Gothic retable of the major altar, dating from 1498 and was made by the Flemish sculptors Olivier de Gand and Jean d’Ypres.

The retable of the Blessed Sacrament (1566) is completed by an elegant Mannerist hollow-brick vault. This retable is a work by Jean de Rouen; while the Romanesque-Gothic cluster was built in 1218. From the latter, stand out the naturalist capitals.

This building was the former Sé Episcopal (episcopal cathedral) until 1772 and, afterwards, was in possession of the Misericórdia up to 1778. From 1785 to 1816, it was occupied by the Terceira de São Francisco Order, and after that date, it began to serve as headquarter for the São Cristóvão Parish.

More information:

Location:

Largo da Sé Velha, Rua do Norte, 4, Coimbra.

Ticket Price:

Visit to the church, the Gothic custer and the biblical garden: 2€

Opening Hours:

Everyday from 10h00 to 18h00 except Fridays (from 10h00 to 16h00).

Telephone:

(+351) 239 825 273.

How to get here:

Bus: Blue Line.

Recommended Excursions:

Mapa Interactivo:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal

Coímbra Old Cathedral

Visit the Sé Velha or Coímbra Old Cathedral and admire one of the most beautiful Romanesque monuments of Portugal.

Recommended Excursions:

Coímbra

What to see:

Beaches:

Museums

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

In collaboration with: