Kanchan B.
Yelp
I had walked by the Lisbon Cathedral a couple of times, but each time it was closed and so was super happy, when walking by after our food tour in the Alfama district, to find the doors open and a procession of priests entering the door along with straggling congressional members. I too joined the folks streaming in and having received a flyer, realized it was a mass to celebrate the night before Easter Sunday!
There weren't any seats available, but I stood in the back and so actually got a great view of everything that occurred plus also got to drink in the magnificent church decor and architecture plus overall atmosphere. I have to mention that the yellow lights and candles used in the cathedral were just amazing - it cast everything in this hazy, mellow, golden glow. There was also a statue inside that reminded me of the Pieta. Architecturally from outside, the Cathedral doesn't resemble any of the Churches I have seen in other parts of the EU with their fancy curlicues and decorations. Instead it reminds me of an entrance to a fort, with two big towers on each end and a grand door with multiple arches in the middle.
Being able to participate in the service and celebrations occurring the night before Easter Sunday at the Cathedral was awesome! I couldn't understand much of anything the sermon was about but the choral hymns sent goosebumps down my arms. There was also a bit where the priest would sing some verses and the congregation would respond and then at one point, everyone stood up and lifted their candles over their head and it was a sea of light - such a magnificent sight and I was lucky to be able to take a photo of this occurrence!
Very glad got to observe a service at the Cathedral but this conversely also means I didn't really get to check out the alter and much of the interior, apart from the back, which was where I was standing.
I hope to return again!
Note - Day 3 of Lisbon, Portugal adventures
Yelp 205/ 2019