Sé Nova

Coimbra is a very catholic city. Besides religion, another important thing there is the University. Because of that, the city's cathedral couldn't be anywhere else than inside the main campus of the school.

The cathedral, also known as Sé Nova in portuguese, is very beautiful. It has a very symetrical facade, with strong lines and flat details, and some statues on top. It also has a beautiful dome and tower with a cross on top.

Inside the church, there is a red carpet leading to the main altar, made of gold and wood. Very beautiful. From the inner part you can also see the dome better, and it makes the church feel open and well iluminated, due to the high ceiling. There are some chapels and a organ inside it as well. Really beautiful.

History and Tradition

Sé Nova used to be a church for the jesuit catholic order and it was built in the 16th century. Years later, on the 18th century, the religious organizations were forbiden in Portugal and the monks had to leave the church.

Until then, it wasn't the city's cathedral yet - it used to be a roman church nearby, known as Sé Velha - being known as Santa Maria Jesuit Church. In the end of the 18th century it became the cathedral was transfered because the place we now know as Sé Nova is bigger and more imponent than the older one.

Because it is located so close to the main campus of University of Coimbra, many academic events started to take place in Sé Nova, after the jesuit left the place. Ceremonies such as serenades and school orchestras presentations take place there, as well as the most important masses in town.

Visits

Nowadays, also, the place is open for visits and people from all over the world that come to the city visit it. Either to attend an event or not, Sé Nova is a must see in town.