Description of the attraction
The Viseu Cathedral, or Se Cathedral, is located at the highest point in the city. The cathedral is also the seat of the bishop of Viseu. The temple was built in the 12th century and is considered the most important historical monument in the city. The building attracts attention because it combines many architectural styles: Manueline, Renaissance and Mannerism. The Se Cathedral is located on a large square, next to the old episcopal palace, which now houses the Granu Vascu Museum.
The building of the cathedral is located on the site of a Christian basilica, built during the time of the Swiebs. In the 8th century, the city was occupied by the Moors and was under their influence until the 11th century. And after the city was liberated by Ferdinand I, the construction of a cathedral began in the city on the site of the ruins of the basilica. The church was not completely destroyed, it was restored and expanded, adding various architectural elements. In the 16th century, reconstruction work was carried out on the roof of the temple, and the facade was restored. A little later, some changes were made to the interior of the cathedral, the ceiling of the nave became vaulted, with decorative trim in the Manueline style.
Today we see a three-aisled majestic building in the form of a Latin cross with three chapels, which are located on the east side, and a transept. Inside the cathedral there is an altar in the Gothic style, on the walls there are tiles from the 18th century. The organ and the baroque lectern are of particular interest. In 1635, the tower of the cathedral and the Manueline portal were destroyed in a storm, but they were soon restored.
