Santarém Cathedral is the former Jesuit church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição on Praça Sá da Bandeira in Santarém, built on the site of the old royal palace of the town. The church became the cathedral of the Diocese of Santarém, created in 1975, and houses the Diocesan Museum beside it.
The church is classified as a National Monument since 14 March 1917.
What to see at Santarém Cathedral
- Façade: a Mannerist front facing Praça Sá da Bandeira, the main square at the entrance to the historic centre.
- Interior: a Baroque interior with gilded carved woodwork and marble.
- Diocesan Museum: a museum of sacred art beside the cathedral, with more than a hundred pieces from the churches of the diocese.
History of Santarém Cathedral
- 1609: the Jesuits begin plans for a college in Santarém, on the site of the former royal palace.
- 17th and early 18th centuries: the church of the Jesuit college is built.
- 1917: the church is classified as a National Monument.
- 1975: the Diocese of Santarém is created, and the church becomes its cathedral.
Visiting Santarém Cathedral
- Location: the cathedral stands on Praça Sá da Bandeira, at the start of the historic centre.
- Opening times: the Diocese of Santarém publishes current opening times for the cathedral and the museum.
Places to visit in Santarém
Santarém, Portugal
Portas do Sol Garden
Church of Graça
Sanctuary of the Santíssimo Milagre
Santarém Cathedral
Church of Marvila
History of Santarém
Visiting Santarém