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Lisbon Cathedral

Seat of the Patriarchate

The Lisbon Cathedral is located halfway up the hill in the Alfama district, and was built in 1147 in a mixture of styles. As the seat of the Patriarchate of Lisbon, the church houses the Pope's throne, the Patriarch's robes, tiaras, statues, and many religious relics.

Located halfway up the hill in the Alfama district, the Lisbon Cathedral (Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa or Sé de Lisboa) is a mixture of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque styles, built in 1147. It is the Oldest Church in Lisbon.

The historic Cathedral has survived many earthquakes, the most severe of which did not completely destroy it in 1755. The restored church is still vibrant, with light pouring through the rose windows into the 20-meter-high Vaulted Hall, creating a comfortable atmosphere for worshippers. The curved area behind the main altar is dotted with 9 Gothic Chapels, which contain noble sarcophagi, paintings, and statues.

Lisbon is one of the few Catholic Patriarchates in the world. The Lisbon Cathedral, the seat of the Patriarch of Lisbon, houses the Patriarchal Rope and Tiaras, as well as the Papal Throne (Sedia Gestatoria).

Manywhere Trivia:
The Patriarch of Lisbon has the supreme privilege of being allowed to travel on the papal throne during religious ceremonies, as well as to wear similar attire to the pope. In many cases, he is also a strong contender to become the next pope.

On the second floor of the Lisbon Cathedral, there is also a Religious Treasures Gallery with a valuable collection of ceremonial dresses, historical statues, religious relics, and much more.