Lisbon Cathedral

It was Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, who commissioned the construction of this cathedral in 1147, just after reclaiming the city from the Moors. It was rebuilt after the earthquake, retaining only its two original 12th-century towers, whose crenelated walls are distinctly medieval in style. The building is a blend of Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic styles, and has undergone a number of alterations over the centuries. Archaeological excavations undertaken since 1990 have uncovered Roman, Arab and medieval remains in the central courtyard. Today, we know that this is the oldest church in the Portuguese capital, housing the relics of Saint Vincent, the city’s patron saint. Though its interior is less impressive than its exterior, it’s still well worth a visit for its statues and stained-glass windows. This is Lisbon’s most important church after all.