Often featured in ads and every city guide, its appearance is truly spectacular. Nestled at the entrance of Alfama, it is truly at the heart of Lisbon.

Its almost castle-like appearance is no surprise either and is due to the layered history of the church. As commonly practised, it was built on even older monuments. Back when Lisbon was reconquered by the Reconquista in 1147, this cathedral was built on the site of a Mosque that had once stood there, with towers that could also serve as defensive vantage points.

Yet even that Mosque was erected on older buildings of the Visigoths and, later, of the Romans, back when Lisbon was known as Olisipo.

From a religious perspective, it is also truly significant, as the Guardian Saint of Lisbon, Saint Antony, was baptised here. It also features a large treasury with magnificent historical relics and books.