Visit the New Cathedral of Coimbra (Nova Sé de Coimbra) and admire the impressive artistic elements of its exterior and chapels. Take time to study the religious sculptures and magnificent altarpieces.
The New Cathedral of Coimbra dates back to 1598, when Jesuits established a church that took a century to complete. Following the expulsion of Jesuits by King Joseph I of Portugal, the church took over from the Old Cathedral of Coimbra as the city’s bishopric seat.
The cathedral’s façade blends elements of the Mannerist and Baroque architectural styles. Cast your gaze to the upper Baroque section, which was completed in the 1700s, to see statues of the saints Peter and Paul. Carved images of four revered Jesuit saints, including St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius, stand in niches in the lower section. The design was replicated by Jesuits when building the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador in Brazil.
Step inside to appreciate the ornamentation of a single nave with a barrel vaulted ceiling. Gilded Baroque-style altars with Solomonic columns, cherubs and saints are standout features of the side chapels. The cathedral’s main altar has a screen that portrays the nativity of Jesus. Other notable aspects are the wooden chancel and Gothic-Manueline baptismal font, both brought from the Old Cathedral of Coimbra.
Find the cathedral in the historic quarter of Coimbra City Centre. It’s less than a 15-minute walk from the city’s central train station. The cathedral is one of several major city attractions located in the historic quarter. While in the area visit the National Museum Machado de Castro and the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra.
You can visit the New Cathedral of Coimbra daily and admission is free. Bear in mind that opening hours are shorter on Sundays. Photography is permitted inside, but be mindful of worshippers when visiting.
