Braga Cathedral — the Sé de Braga — stands at the heart of the city, and is the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Its great age is woven into a Portuguese saying: something very old is said to be 'older than the Sé de Braga'.
The cathedral's construction began in the twelfth century, and over the nine centuries since it has been added to and remodelled many times. The result is a building that blends styles — Romanesque in its origins, with Gothic, Manueline and Baroque elements layered over the centuries — making it a record in stone of the history of Braga itself, long the religious capital of Portugal.
Within are chapels, a treasury museum of religious art, fine Baroque gilded woodwork and a notable pair of organs. The cathedral and its museum are among the essential sights of Braga, and a visit reveals centuries of art, faith and the city's standing as the seat of Portugal's primate archbishop.
Highlights
- The oldest cathedral in Portugal
- Construction begun in the twelfth century
- A blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Baroque
- A treasury museum of religious art
- Seat of the primate archbishop of Portugal
History & context
Braga Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Its construction began in the twelfth century, on a site of much earlier Christian worship, Braga having been an episcopal see since antiquity. Over the following nine centuries the cathedral was repeatedly added to and remodelled, acquiring Gothic, Manueline and Baroque elements over its Romanesque origins. It has long been the seat of the Archbishop of Braga, the primate of Portugal.
🗓️ Best time to visit
Any time of year, as the visit is largely indoors.
⏱️ Duration
45 minutes – 1 hour
♿ Accessibility
Moderate. The cathedral is a historic building in the old centre, with some steps and uneven surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Braga Cathedral important?
It is the oldest cathedral in Portugal, begun in the twelfth century, and the seat of the primate archbishop of Portugal.
What can you see inside the cathedral?
Chapels, a treasury museum of religious art, Baroque gilded woodwork and a notable pair of organs.
What styles does the cathedral show?
Romanesque in origin, it blends Gothic, Manueline and Baroque elements layered over nine centuries of remodelling.