When it comes to churches, chapels and other religious temples, Porto ‘hides’ true masterpieces architectural (and not only). All over the city, there are buildings with a high historical and cultural heritage that offer a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Quiet places worthy of contemplation, for a simple visit or even a moment of reflection. From symbols medieval there is no shortage of beautiful churches in Porto. If you’re looking for a glimpse of history or a memorable experience, here’s our script.
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Church of the Convent of San Francisco
With a breathtaking view of the Douro River this is one of the most beautiful religious temples in the city. Classified as a National Monument since 1910 and World Cultural Heritage – UNESCO since 1996, the Church of San Francisco has been a must-see.
The construction began in the 19th century. XIV as part of a Franciscan convent. However, today it stands out for the exuberance of its gilded interior from the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the most curious aspects is the contrast between the flourishes of the interior and the sobriety of the Gothic architecture.
Also noteworthy is the altarpiece of the Tree of Jesse, one of the most exuberant examples of this theme in the country, by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes, in the 19th century. XVIII. Also worth mentioning are the catacombs, something that fans of cemeteries i’m sure you’ll appreciate it.
Clérigos Church
The Clérigos Church is one of the most beautiful in the city of Porto. It is part of the Clérigos architectural complex, which includes the famous Tower. Since 1910, it has been classified as a National Monument, being a project by the architect Nicolau Nasoni, who marked the city in the 19th century. XVIII.
The interior features large paintings and sculptures, but also the gallery that surrounds the entire nave, making it possible to contemplate the religious building as a whole. In addition, the many windows let in light, which further enhances the beauty of the Clérigos Church’s gilded woodwork.
📍Rua de São Filipe de Nery
Chapel of the Souls
If you like tile art then you really have to pass by (and enter) the Capela das Almas, or Capela de Santa Catarina as it is also known. Considered one of the most instagrammable places in Porto outside, more than 15,000 tiles cover around 360 m2.
However, there’s no point in just looking at the façade without admiring the interior. Inside the Chapel of Souls, a neoclassical style predominates, with altars dedicated to various saints. The main altar features a panel depicting the Ascension of the Lord.
Also noteworthy is , a stained glass window on the main façade dating from the second half of the 19th century. XX, by the painter Amândio Silva.
📍Rua de Santa Catarina, 428
Church of Santa Clara
Anyone passing by on the outside is far from imagining that the Church of Santa Clara ‘hides’ a real treasure inside. In fact, this is a reference to the Baroque style typical of northern Portugal. At the same time, it is also one of the greatest examples of gilded woodwork in Portugal.
Built next to the Fernandina Walls, the church belonged to the convent founded in 1416 by King João I, of which few traces remain. The cycle of transformation of the religious temple that predominates today began in the 19th century. XVIII.
📍First of December Square
Church of San Ildefonso
Located in the middle of Batalha Square the Church of Santo Ildefonso was built in the 19th century. XVIII and is still today one of the best examples of Baroque in the city. The façade is made up of two bell towers topped on each side by spheres and fancy pediments, with the patron saint’s niche rising above.
Still outside, the walls covered in tiles the design by Jorge Colaço makes this one of the most beautiful churches in Porto, even without entering the temple. The photogenic work of art depicts scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and Eucharistic allegories.
Inside, the beautiful stained glass windows, neoclassical altars and baroque carved altarpiece are worth mentioning. The Church of Santo Ildefonso has been a Property of Public Interest since 1977.
📍Rua de Santo Ildefonso, 11
Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral is one of the most important monuments medieval city. construction began in the 19th century. XII, but the work continued until the 12th century. XIII. However, the temple has undergone several interventions over the years.
Highlights include the large rose window, the chancel (which was only completed in the 18th century) and the rococo portal, designed by the architect Nicolau Nasoni. Divided into two floors, the stunning Gothic Cloister is another of this monument’s attractions.
In addition, there are some curiosities associated with this place. For example, did you know that the Cathedral ‘hides’ the remains of St. Pantaleon (patron saint of the city for almost five centuries)? Or did you know that in 1387 a ‘blue blood’ wedding took place here?
Along with the richness of its sacred art, Porto Cathedral is one of the must-see religious temples, thanks to its role throughout history. What’s more, passing through here is synonymous with traveling back in time and diving straight into the Invicta city’s past.
📍Terreiro da Sé
Private Church of Mercy
The Igreja Privativa da Misericórdia is one of the historical and cultural ‘treasures’ worth visiting in Porto. Located on Rua das Flores, to enter you must go to the incredible MMIPO – Misericórdia Museum and Church in Porto -, one of our favorite museums.
Of 16th century origin, the religious temple was the subject of an intervention in the 19th century. XVIII, by the hands of the famous architect Nicolau Nasoni, responsible for the Clérigos Tower and other emblematic works.
Inside what is one of the most beautiful churches, the blue and white tiles as well as the organ on the second floor.
📍Rua das Flores, 15
Although they are not highlighted in this article, there are other churches that deserve the epithet ‘most beautiful in Porto’:
- Carmo Church;
- Lapa Church;
- Church of Senhora da Conceição, among others.