Sé: Lisbon's Imposing Cathedral

The Sé, Lisbon's fortified Romanesque cathedral in the city's Castelo district near the ancient Alfama neighborhood, has undergone several design changes since the original structure was consecrated in 1150. A series of earthquakes, culminating in the devastating 1755 tremor, completely demolished what remained of the 12th century. What you see today is a fusion of architectural styles, with the twin castellated bell towers that adorn the downtown skyline standing out, especially in the late afternoon when the setting sun burnishes the brickwork with a golden veneer.

Inside, a resplendent rose window helps to illuminate the cathedral's rather gloomy interior, and you're likely to head straight for the treasury, which houses the cathedral's most valuable artifacts, such as silverware made up of chalices and reliquaries, intricately embroidered vestments, statuary, and a number of rare illustrated manuscripts.

It's also worth spending some time in the Gothic cloister, not so much for its chapels (one of which still has its 13th-century wrought-iron gate), but because on-site excavations have revealed the foundations of Roman and Moorish dwellings (the cathedral was built over the ruins of a mosque), and the archaeological dig is a worthwhile visitor attraction in its own right.

Address: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal

Timings: 9:30AM - 7PM (Closed Sunday)

Phone: +351 21 886 6752

Google rating: 4.4/5

Website: https://www.facebook.com/sedelisboa/