Portugal - Sé de Lisboa, or Igreja de Santa Maria Maior

The Sé de Lisboa (officially Igreja de Santa Maria Maior is Lisbon’s cathedral and the oldest church in the city. The Sé was built in the year of 1147, after Dom Afonso Henriques - the first king of Portugal - reconquered Lisbon from the Moors. It was located on the main mosque of Lisbon. This first building was completed between 1147 and the first decades of the 13th century in Late Romanesque style.

Earthquakes have always been a problem for Lisbon and its cathedral. During the 14th and 16th centuries there were several of them, but the worst of all was the 1755 earthquake, which destroyed the Gothic main chapel along with the royal pantheon. The cloisters and many chapels were also ruined and the fire that followed. The cathedral was partially rebuilt and - in the beginning of the 20th century - was given the appearance that it has today after a profound renovation. The neoclassical decoration from outside and inside of the cathedral was removed to give the cathedral a more "mediaeval" appearance.

The name Sé derives from Sedes Episcopalis, which simply means “bishop’s seat”.

Nowadays this impressive and iconic religious building with its massive solid walls and two imposing clock towers is one of the most significant touristy sights of Lisbon. During our visit there were renovations of the ancient cloisters, so we couldn’t visit. PiP4 was taken from our apartment, which was located just next to the Sé.