Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa is the Sé or cathedral of Lisbon and the oldest church in the City; it dates back to the year 306. It served as a mosque for the Moors during their occupation of the city, and the façade with its towers and massive portico was rebuilt during the fourteenth century.

A large part of the monument was severely affected by the Earthquake of 1755 and by the following fire: part of cloister, the main chapel and also part of the tower over the crossing fell down. King José Emanuel had the main chapel and the tower rebuilt. Later on, the whole interior was renewed with a neoclassical decoration.