Cathedral of São Salvador da Sé

Housing the seat of the bishopric, the Cathedral of São Salvador da Sé is the religious centre and at the same time the largest church of the Azores. This impressive three-naved cathedral with its elegant two-towered façade was constructed over a Gothic church from the end of the 16th to the beginning of the 17th century. Badly damaged during the 1980 earthquake and again in 1983 when a fire destroyed the gilded wood of the ceiling and the altars, it was thoroughly restored to become an important witness of Angra’s wealth during the golden age. Among its treasures in the interior are precious 17th-century silver-works, a remarkable carved cedar-wood ceiling construction, beautiful ‘azulejos’ wall decorations, interesting paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries and, in the sacristy, jacaranda gratings, a gallery of bishop portraits as well as a collection of interesting religious objects. Worldwide reputed for its outstanding acoustics and its gigantic organ, the Cathedral da Sé has also become a favourite recording place.

Map of Terceira

Cathedral of São Salvador da Sé