Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra
About This Museum
Perched in the historic heart of Coimbra, the Old Cathedral of Saint Mary feels less like a church and more like a divine fortress guarding the city's soul. Step inside, and the dim, cavernous interior immediately hushes the outside world, your eyes drawn upward by the massive, rough-hewn columns and the faint scent of old stone. The Romanesque austerity is breathtaking, but look closer and you'll find moments of delicate surprise, like the Gothic cloister hiding quietly beside the main nave. It’s a place that demands a pause, a quiet moment to absorb nearly nine centuries of silent history.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the stunning gilded altarpiece by Olivier de Gand and Jean d'Ypres, a masterwork of Flemish Gothic carving that seems to glow in the cathedral's somber light. The intricate capitals atop the columns tell their own stone-carved stories, and the serene, arched cloister offers a peaceful retreat from the main space.
Visitor Information
It's right on Largo da Sé Velha, easy to find while wandering Coimbra's old quarter. Check their website for current opening times and a small entrance fee, which is well worth it to experience this magnificent piece of living history.
Architecture & Building
This is Portuguese Romanesque at its most powerful and pure, characterized by its formidable, crenellated walls that make it look more like a castle. The facade is dominated by a striking portal with a row of archivolts, while the interior feels massive and solemn with its barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Contact & Location
Address: Largo da Sé Velha, Almedina, Alta, Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu), Coimbra, 3000-383, Portugal
Phone: +351 239 825 273
