The New Cathedral of Coimbra: Portugal’s Mannerist Masterpiece
The New Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Nova) stands as a striking testament to Portugal’s religious, artistic, and political evolution. Built by the Jesuits between the 16th and 18th centuries, its Mannerist structure and Baroque embellishments reflect the transition from Counter-Reformation austerity to expressive grandeur. More than just an architectural landmark, Sé Nova embodies the shifting tides of Portuguese history—where education, faith, and power converged. Today, it remains both a historical monument and a living place of worship at the heart of Coimbra.
