Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo (Sé)

The Sé Catedral de Angra do Heroísmo is the oldest cathedral in the Azores, with origins in the early 16th century. The building that stands today is primarily Mannerist in style — the rebuilding and enlargements that followed the violent 1980 earthquake replaced much of the damaged earlier structure, though the 16th-century nave survives. It stands at the western end of the Rua Direita, Angra's main historic street, and its twin towers are the visual anchor of the city's UNESCO-listed core.

The interior is relatively austere by Iberian standards, which works in its favour — the proportions of the nave are clear and graceful. The tile panels on the lower walls are worth examining, as are the carved stone doorways. Sunday mass is still celebrated here and the church is open to visitors outside service hours.

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The Cathedral's tower clock was added in the 18th century and is wound manually every eight days — a practice that has continued without interruption since the clock was installed. The cathedral also holds the tomb of Álvaro Martins Homem, one of the earliest governors of the island, who died in 1529.