Cathedral of Porto

The Cathedral of Porto is a Romanesque church built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It underwent several extensions and renovations over the years. A visit to this beautiful fortified church is a must. The cloister and the Chapel of São João Evangelista are Gothic from the fourteenth century. Yet, the expansion of the main-chapel and the Chapel of Santíssimo Sacramento and its silver altar, are examples of the seventeenth century Mannerist style. Examples of eighteenth century Baroque style can be found in the frescoes of the main chancel, and in the sacristy by Nicolau Nasoni, who is the architect of other notable buildings in Porto. The cloister was tiled by Vital Rifarto during the same period. The sculpture by Teixeira Lopes (father) in the Baptistery is a very interesting high relief in bronze from the nineteenth century. From the Cathedral square you can go down towards the Douro River and explore the historic city center. The cathedral is also one of the departure points for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.