Lisbon Cathedral

#Portugal #Lisbon #Lisbon Cathedral Lisbon Cathedral I arrived in Lisbon yesterday and today visited the towering Lisbon Cathedral, located at the entrance to the Alfama district, the oldest part of the city. Its exterior resembled a sturdy fortress. Built in the 12th century, shortly after Portugal's first king, Alfonso I, reclaimed Lisbon from the Muslims, this structure, erected on the site of a former mosque, was a symbol of faith. It was a rugged yet majestic Romanesque structure. As if determined to endure anything, the thick stone walls and tightly closed doors exuded a timeless tranquility. The moment I checked my ticket and passed through the grand doors, the vibrant sounds of Lisbon outside subsided, and the chill of the interior, steeped in 800 years of history, enveloped me. In this space, where solidity reigned over splendor, I sensed the resilience of this cathedral, which alone withstood the devastating earthquake that devastated Lisbon in 1755. I was able to. Although Gothic and Baroque modifications were added over the years, its foundation was the unwavering faith of Romanesque. I headed to the second floor. As a traveler, it was a privilege to explore the deep history of this cathedral. Climbing the narrow stairs, I reached the second-floor treasury, a treasure trove condensed with the cathedral's history. Capturing the magnificent vestments of the Middle Ages, sacred objects made of gold and silver, and relics preserved as testaments to long-standing faith, I realized that this cathedral was not just a place of worship, but the spiritual and cultural center of the Kingdom of Portugal. Even more impressive was the view of the main sanctuary from the upper levels, such as the second-floor cloister and choir. From that height, where the entire interior was visible at a glance, the cathedral's magnificent scale and symmetrical structure became even more three-dimensional. The countless stained-glass windows, pouring down upon the prayerful people below, presented a pious drama of the coexistence of God and humanity. I diligently took photos and recorded videos so as not to miss this moment. And then, on the second floor, a small, open-air church. When I looked out through the window or the outside passage, my gaze led to the square in front of the cathedral and the old town of Lisbon. It was as if I was peeking into present-day Lisbon through an old time frame. The rattling sound of Lisbon's iconic Tram 28, which crisscrossed beneath the cathedral, confirmed that the life of this city, which has endured for countless generations, continues on the solid historical foundation of the cathedral. This Lisbon cathedral is no longer a relic of the past. As the seat of the Archdiocese of Lisbon, it still stands at the heart of Lisbon's citizens, and for countless tourists and pilgrims, it remains a living historical site where past and present coexist. Yesterday's walk was a precious journey that allowed me to feel both a firm faith and the endless flow of time. It was a pity that, because it wasn't Sunday, I couldn't attend Mass and hear the pipe organ music. (2025.10.23)