Coimbra - Old Cathedral

(Local Name: Sé Velha) A stepped lane leads up to Sé Velha, the old cathedral, a fortress-like structure built in the reign of Afonso I Henriques (12th C.), with a plain exterior, crenellated walls and a massive Romanesque west doorway. Only the Porta Especiosa, a richly decorated early Renaissance doorway on the north side of the church, relieves the sombre effect of the exterior.

The Romanesque interior, with three aisles, is strikingly impressive. The most notable features are a number of fine tombs, including that of Bishop Almeida (16th C.); the large Late Gothic high altar, with representations of the Assumption by two Flemish masters, Oliver of Ghent and John of Ypres; and the Renaissance font (16th C.). From the south aisle a flight of steps leads up to the Early Gothic cloister (13th C.).

In the square in front of the Old Cathedral Dom Joao was proclaimed King of Portugal in 1385.