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Church · Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo
Sé de Viana do Castelo
15th-century mother church with the appearance of a fortress, two battlemented towers and a Gothic portal with scenes of the Passion; it has been a cathedral since the diocese was created in 1977.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Sé de Viana do Castelo
The Sé de Viana do Castelo, also called igreja de Santa Maria Maior, was built in the 15th century as the town's mother church. With the creation of the diocese of Viana do Castelo in 1977, it became a cathedral. It is a few steps from Praça da República, amid the streets of the historic center.
The façade has the look of a fortress, with two tall towers topped by battlements, a reminder of the time when coastal churches also served as shelters. Between the towers is the Gothic portal, with archivolts carved with scenes of the Passion of Christ and figures of the apostles.
The interior has a Latin cross plan, with three naves and a long-armed transept. Among the side chapels the Chapel of São Bernardo and the Chapel of the Santíssimo Sacramento stand out, attributed to master stonemason João Lopes, o Velho, the same who made the fountain in the square.
The Sé has been listed as a Property of Public Interest since 1953 and continues to function as a parish church.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning, outside of Mass times; opening hours vary, so check before you go.
How to get there
It is on Rua Sacadura Cabral, next to Praça da República, in the historic center.
Tip
Notice the figures on the portal before entering: the scenes of the Passion are carved into the stone arches.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sé de Viana do Castelo
Since when has the church been a cathedral?
Since 1977, when the Diocese of Viana do Castelo was created.
Why does the Sé look like a fortress?
Because of its two towers topped with battlements, built in the 15th century, at a time when coastal churches also served as shelters.
What to see at the Sé's portal?
The Gothic archivolts with scenes of the Passion of Christ and the figures of the apostles.