In the center of Lamego stands the Cathedral. Dating back to the 12th century, this imposing monument, sacred in 1175 to S. Sebastião and Santa Maria, only sees its completion probably in 1191. However, as the years went by and the respective remodelling works it underwent, it significantly altered its original Romanesque profile.
It is a religious monument of great interest, the entrance has a wide slabbed churchyard – dating from the 18th century, with the façade marked by the grandiose tower. Of the various dependencies that extend to the north of the main façade, the old Paço dos Bispos stands out – a building from the 18th century Baroque that has been occupied by the Museum of Lamego for several decades. Here are kept some of the best works of art of the Cathedral and other religious houses of the region.
The stunning interior of the cathedral is separated into three naves divided into three tranches and covered by arched vaults, resting on perfect-turned arches and generous pillars. The ceilings, majestically painted in the 18th century by the Italian painter-architect Nicolau Nasoni, reveal perspectives of the triumphant baroque and biblical themes. In the side naves there are several baroque altars.
In the chancel, one can observe an altarpiece combining marble and gilded carving, as well as a high-backed neoclassical chair. The doors, windows, arches and its organs are decorated by pompous gilded carved structures. At the main altar of the Blessed Sacrament, you can also appreciate an elaborate silver frontal – the masterpiece of an 18th century Porto goldsmith. In the high choir, one can observe splendid chairs with paintings from the 18th century.
The cardinal cloister is a 16th century construction. It is divided into two floors and on the lower floor of the crasta there are two imposing chapels, one of which contains the tomb of D. Manuel de Noronha, one of the most important bishops of the Lamego diocese.