“What stories do these stones hold?” I often wonder. We are standing before the Igreja de Santa Maria do Porto. It’s also known as the Sé Catedral do Porto. This imposing monument has watched over Porto for centuries.
The Igreja de Santa Maria’s story stretches back to the 6th century. References exist of a cathedral in Porto from that time. It’s believed that early structure was destroyed in the 8th century. This happened during the Muslim offensive in Portugal.
After independence, Bishop Dom Hugo, a Frenchman revived the idea of building a new temple. This highlights the city’s importance to the kingdom. The temple was constructed from the ground up. Construction began in the 12th century. It continued into the 13th century. The original style is distinctly Romanesque. This artistic style was popular in northern Portugal. Romanesque elements are visible on the exterior. Look at the facade, the two towers, and the generous rose window.
Over time the Igreja de Santa Maria has undergone changes. In the Gothic period, the Sé received the tomb of João Gordo. He was a knight of the Hospitallers Order. You can find it in the Chapel of São João Evangelista. The cloister was built during King Dom João I’s reign. King Dom João I married Dona Filipa de Lencastre here. The wedding took place on 14 February 1387. The people of Porto wore their best clothes. The city was covered in flowers for the celebration.
The Igreja de Santa Maria’s appearance changed again in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Baroque style became prominent. The portal was transformed. However it still retains the medieval rose window. The north facade was also altered. The main chapel and the Chapel of the Santíssimo Sacramento were also changed. The chapel now houses a grand silver altarpiece. It was crafted by Porto silversmiths.
Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect, played a significant role. He made the most visible renovations. In the 1700s, a grand staircase was built. It provides access to the Chapter Room.
Inside the Igreja de Santa Maria in the Chapter Room, you will find Baroque paintings. They are by the Italian painter João Baptista Pachini. The sacristy is a highlight of the Baroque era. It features murals and a vaulted ceiling.
The silver altar in the Chapel of the Santíssimo Sacramento is remarkable. It is a masterpiece of national goldsmithery. It survived the looting by Junot’s soldiers. During the French Invasions, it was hidden behind a plaster wall.
The Igreja de Santa Maria is also known as Nossa Senhora do Porto. It is also called Nossa Senhora da Eterna Salvação. It is also called Nossa Senhora da Vandoma. This reflects the importance of Marian worship. Various altarpieces and chapels honor Mary under different titles. Nossa Senhora da Vandoma is the most important. She is the city’s patron saint. Her image has been on the municipal coat of arms since the 16th century.
The adjacent Paço Episcopal is part of this architectural ensemble. Its construction dates back to the 12th century.
Today the Igreja de Santa Maria stands as a testament to Porto’s history. It shows its artistic evolution. It’s a place where Romanesque origins blend with Gothic additions. It also shows Baroque splendor. It’s a journey through centuries of faith. It is also a great display of artistic expression.