Religious Art Museum

In addition to the its monumental architecture and the works dedicated to devotion inside, Viseu Cathedral also hosts the Religious Art Museum.

It consists of the old Cathedral treasure and displays a collection of images, liturgical vestments, worship paraments, choir books and furniture. Among the valuable pieces which are a part of the collection, two 18th century enameled copper reliquary vaults from the Limoges School stand out. They are unique pieces in Portugal. A monstrance built in 1533 which belonged to the renowned Bishop and humanist D. Miguel da Silva is one of the most valuable religious art pieces in Portugal.

Six details you should not miss the chance to appreciate at Viseu Cathedral:

The 17^th century main chapel designed by friar João Turriano which holds a 1731 Baroque retable; this has replaced a 15^th century retable whose paintings are nowadays on display at Grão Vasco Museum;
The magnificent cloister in classic design which invites to meditation;
The Santos Brancos (White Saints) Chapel with an amazing 15^th century Ançã stone retable and a Pietá by master João de Ruão;
The Calvário (Calvary) 14^th century chapel;
The tile panels with scenes from the life of Saint Theotonius in the cloister galleries;
The chapter halls on the second floor of the cloister with magnificent paneled Mudejar ceilings and 18^th century tiles designed by Manuel da Silva.

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