Lisbon Cathedral Tours and Activities

Lisbon Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, street scenes and heritage architecture
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
This medieval cathedral is the oldest church in the city and combines a wide range of architectural styles, including gothic, Roman and neoclassical.

The Lisbon Cathedral (the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa) is a must-see for lovers of architecture. It is the oldest religious structure in Lisbon and has been modified several times, so it reflects many different architectural styles.

Wander through the cathedral to see evidence of design from the Romanesque, gothic and baroque periods. The first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, commissioned this church on the site of a former mosque. Since then, it has served as a Roman Catholic Church and the seat of the diocese of Lisbon.

One of the cathedral’s most impressive elements is the fortress-like façade that was built in the 12th century. The façade provided a menacing appearance so that the cathedral could be used to protect guards during a siege. 

Wander around to the west-facing façade, which still has a number of eye-catching original details. Note the Romanesque motifs at the top of the portal’s sculptured columns. 

Walk inside to view the dramatic gothic vault. Look for the baroque-style sacristy that was erected in the 17th century. Walk up to the neoclassical main chapel where King Afonso’s tomb is preserved. You can also see the font where Saint Anthony of Padua was said to have been baptized in 1195 A.D.  

King Dinis of Portugal commissioned the construction of a gothic-style cloister on the east side of the cathedral at the end of the 13th century. It was substantially damaged in an earthquake but the remains are still visible today.

The Lisbon Cathedral is located in the Alfama district. Arrive by tram or on foot from other attractions in the historic center. There’s a small fee to see the cloister and sacristy. 

The cathedral is open Monday through Friday. Visit in the mornings to avoid the crowds. It is a particularly beautiful time to visit when the morning light streams through the windows.

Plan a trip to see Lisbon Cathedral

As Janelas Verdes Inn, a Lisbon Heritage Collection
Eurostars Das Letras
TURIM Saldanha Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Lisbon Cathedral

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
148
" "5 - Excellent 43.657817109144545%
4 - Good
164
" "4 - Good 48.37758112094395%
3 - Okay
27
" "3 - Okay 7.964601769911504%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Apr. 14, 2019

Be sure to buy a ticket to see the museum upstairs. Beautiful antic religious vestments, chalices and other artifacts.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lisbon Cathedral

Hotel Mundial
Hotel Mundial
4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Varandas de Lisboa
Varandas de Lisboa
4 out of 5
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 8, Lisbon, Lisboa
Varandas de Lisboa
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 195, Lisbon
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Avenida Palace
Avenida Palace
5 out of 5
Rua 1 De Dezembro 123, Lisbon
Avenida Palace
Hotel Borges Chiado
Hotel Borges Chiado
3 out of 5
Rua Garrett, 108-110, Lisbon
Hotel Borges Chiado
TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel
TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua do Comércio, 9, Lisbon
TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
5 out of 5
Rua Cais de Santarém 52, Lisbon, Lisbon
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Esqina Urban Lodge
Esqina Urban Lodge
4 out of 5
Rua dos Sapateiros 92, Lisbon
Esqina Urban Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.