Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Sé
The Treasure of Lisbon Cathedral is located within the premises of Lisbon Cathedral itself, one of the city's most emblematic historic buildings. Situated in the Sé district, in the very heart of Lisbon's oldest area, access to the Treasure is gained from inside the Cathedral. The surroundings are that of the main square, a central point in the urban fabric that retains much of its historical character.
The Treasure of Lisbon Cathedral houses a significant collection of cultural assets that bear witness to the history and faith of the Diocese of Lisbon over centuries. The collection comprises objects of diverse natures, accumulated between the 16th and 19th centuries, which served liturgical, devotional, and catechetical purposes. The exhibition of these assets allows visitors a deeper understanding of religious practices and the artistic richness associated with the life of the Cathedral over time.
Exploring the different rooms of the Treasure, one discovers a variety of pieces including goldsmithery, vestments, sculpture, and painting. One of the highlighted sections is dedicated to Relics and Reliquaries, where various examples holding memories of holy figures are found, with special attention given to the two reliquaries of Saint Vincent, the principal patron of the Diocese. There is also a section that explores the theme of the Liturgical Year, showing how the colors of vestments and the iconography of artworks relate to the calendar of Catholic Church celebrations.
Among the pieces of greatest value and artistic interest, the Patriarchal Monstrance stands out, also known as the Rich Monstrance or D. José's Monstrance. This imposing work of sacred goldsmithery, executed in Portugal in the 18th century, is renowned for its richness and detail. Made of gold and adorned with various precious stones, the Monstrance was created to house and display the Blessed Sacrament. It continues to be used, on specific occasions, fulfilling its original function and demonstrating the continuity of tradition. It is, without a doubt, one of the collection's highlights.
The Treasure is installed in four rooms that are part of the Cathedral complex. One of these rooms is the historic Chapter House, a space where the Chapter of Lisbon Cathedral would meet. Built in the 18th century over the 17th-century sacristy, this room houses ceremonial objects that reflect the privileges granted to the Patriarch of Lisbon. Another space integrated into the tour is the Cathedral's old Library, where examples of the bibliographic and archival collection can be observed, including musical documents and antique bindings, offering a glimpse into the Cathedral's written heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7098786,-9.1325844
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'35.6"N 09°07'57.3"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
