The New Cathedral

The Sé Nova (New Cathedral) occupies the church of the old College of Jesus. Built by the Jesuits at the end of the 16th century, it was projected up the hill, emanating religious, scientific and educational authority.

The building is inspired by the model of the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the motherhouse of the Society of Jesus. On its façade, we find the most emblematic iconography of the Society, with sculptures of saints Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Francis of Borja and Louis Gonzaga. The interior space is ample and one-piece, obeying a clear and grandiose design, which responds to the ideals promoted by the Catholic Reformation.

In 1759, with the expulsion of the Society of Jesus, the whole building was left vacant. As part of the Pombaline Reform of the University and due to the state of degradation of the city's cathedral, which is called Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), in 1772, the old Jesuit church was handed over to the diocese, which transformed it into its new headquarters, thus becoming known as Sé Nova (New Cathedral).