Category: Religious Architecture > Cathedral
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra
Located in the heart of the city of Coimbra, the New Cathedral (Sé Nova) rises imposingly, marking the urban landscape of the upper town. Its presence is notable, standing out among the historical buildings in the area, lending an atmosphere of solemnity and antiquity to its surroundings. The building is situated at the central point of Coimbra city, within the municipality of Coimbra, Coimbra district, making it accessible to those exploring the city's oldest streets.
The history of Coimbra's New Cathedral (Sé Nova) dates back to the 16th century, when its construction began as the church of the Jesuit College. The first stone was laid in 1593, and the work progressed over several decades, attesting to the influence and power of the Society of Jesus in Portugal. Following the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1759, by order of the Marquis of Pombal, and the subsequent extinction of the order, the building was transformed. In 1772, with the transfer of the episcopal see from the old cathedral (Sé Velha), this imposing temple was elevated to the category of "Sé Nova" (New Cathedral), thus assuming the role of cathedral of the diocese of Coimbra, a status it maintains to this day.
Coimbra's New Cathedral (Sé Nova) is a notable example of Mannerist and Baroque architecture in Portugal, reflecting the transition of styles that marked the era of its construction. Its main facade, completed around 1640, exhibits an austere grandeur, characteristic of Mannerism. It features two levels and a symmetrical organization, with three entrance portals and a majestic upper window, flanked by niches housing statues of Jesuit saints, such as Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier. Inside, the church adopts a Latin cross plan, with a single spacious nave flanked by lateral chapels. The use of pilasters and arcades confers a sense of monumentality, while the barrel vault covering the main nave accentuates the grandeur of the space. The transition to the Baroque style is visible in the opulence of the gilded carving (talha dourada) and the decorative richness of some of its altars and chapels.
Inside the New Cathedral (Sé Nova), visitors can appreciate a valuable collection of artistic elements that enrich the temple. The main altarpiece (retábulo-mor) is one of the central pieces, displaying intricate gilded carving (talha dourada), characteristic of Joanine Baroque. The various lateral chapels, dedicated to different saints, house altars richly decorated with carving, painting, and sculpture, demonstrating the mastery of the artisans of the time. The azulejo (tile) panels, though not dominant, contribute to the solemn atmosphere of the space, telling stories and decorating walls. The sacristy, in particular, also preserves an interesting collection of furniture and sacred art pieces, revealing the importance and richness of the legacy of the former Jesuit church, later a cathedral.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sé_Nova_de_Coimbra
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.20937009444664,-8.424521950293968
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'33.7"N 08°25'28.3"W
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