Portugal: Lisbon – Se Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Se de Lisboa or Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, is the oldest and most significant church in the city. The cathedral was built in 1147, shortly after the Christian reconquest of Lisbon from the Moors. Its construction was initiated by King Afonso I of Portugal to mark the triumph of Christianity over Islam in the region.The cathedral features a mix of architectural styles due to various renovations and restorations over the centuries. Its original design is Romanesque, with fortress-like facade and the heavy walls. Inside, the cathedral houses several chapels, each with its own historical and artistic significance. The Gothic ambulatory and the beautiful cloister are highlights, and the cathedral also contains a treasury with religious artifacts. Beneath the cathedral lies an archaeological site that reveals layers of Lisbon’s history, including Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish remains. The cathedral is situated in the Alfama district, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. Its strategic position on a hill offers stunning views of the city.
