Sé Velha de Coimbra

This is one of the most beautiful Portuguese Romanesque monuments, with an external appearance resembling a fortified church. The current construction began in 1162, during the reign of King Afonso Henriques. It served as the Episcopal See until 1772 and subsequently belonged to the Misericórdia (a charitable institution) until 1778. From 1785 to 1816 it was occupied by the Third Order of Saint Francis, and after that date it became the seat of the parish of São Cristóvão. The main façade features a magnificent portal, formed by arches supported by columns with decorated capitals. The 13th-century cloister was the first Gothic-style work to be carried out in our country, and it houses the tomb of Don Sesnando.