Porto and the Douro go hand in hand, a setting that makes you feel like you’ re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a place loved by locals and admired by tourists. A city with emblematic landscapes and centuries of history. Shall we take a look at some of Porto’s monuments?
But Porto is more than just a postcard. It is also a city with history, of which the many monuments and buildings of public interest are a direct testimony. After a medieval tour outside Porto, it’s time to travel back in time in the heart of Invicta. Take note of our suggestions.
Table Of Contents
Monuments (and attractions) to visit in Porto
Our list is made up of monuments in Porto, but that’s not all. There is also room here for other attractions which, although they don’t have this official designation, impress with their beauty and past. The order presented is random.
Clérigos Church and Tower
The Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s ex-libris and probably one of its most photographed buildings, which is hardly surprising. After all, its magnificence is there for all to see.
With more than 70 meters and 240 steps, climbing to the top of the Clérigos Tower is (almost) mandatory for all Porto residents and visitors. From there you have access to one of the best views of Porto. But there’s more.
Classified as a National Monument since 1910, the Clérigos Tower was designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century. Also noteworthy is the Clérigos Church, with its baroque style and great decorative detail.
Where: Rua de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto
Stock Exchange Palace
Visiting the Palácio da Bolsa is synonymous with encountering one of Porto’s most beautiful monuments. This building impresses with its elegance and rich decoration.
The Palácio da Bolsa began to be built in the second half of the 19th century, on the site of the former Convento de São Francisco, which was destroyed by a fire. Since then, the Porto Commercial Association has been based here.
Inside there are many rooms and details that stand out. But there is one place, in particular, that doesn’t seem to be in Porto. We’re referring, of course, to the Arab Hall, which impresses with its aesthetics reminiscent of the Alhambra.
Where: Rua de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto
Porto Cathedral
This is one of Porto’s oldest monuments and is located in the heart of the historic center. The building dates back to the 12th century, but has undergone some interventions in more than one period. It shows characteristics of Romanesque art (and not only).
This religious temple stands out for its façade with a central body framed by two towers and a beautiful rose window. The old cloister, which immediately takes us back to the medieval era, is an almost obligatory stop.
As a symbol of the medieval importance of this building, in 1387 King João I married D. Filipa de Lencastre in the Cathedral of Porto. Another curiosity is that it was also here in the 18th century. Also, take advantage of the fact that you’re nearby and contemplate the Pelourinho da Sé.
Where: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto
Episcopal Palace of Porto
Classified as a National Monument since 1910, the Episcopal Palace of Porto is well worth a visit. Located next to the imposing Porto Cathedral, it is considered to be the first true palace in the Invicta city.
In late Baroque style, the building began to be constructed in the 18th century to serve as the official residence of the Bishop of Porto. Today, you can visit part of the monument, namely the museum space.
Inside, you can enjoy various historical ‘treasures’ and an incredible view over the city!
Where: Terreiro da Sé
Church of São Francisco
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful churches in Porto. Classified as a National Monument since 1910 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, the Church of São Francisco is one of those places you should visit at least once in your life in the city.
Today, one of the great attractions of this religious temple is the exuberance of its interior, filled with gilded woodwork. It is also worth highlighting the altarpiece of the Tree of Jesse and the catacombs, something worthy of the bravest or fans of cemeteries.
Where: Rua do Infante D. Henrique
São Bento Station
Today, São Bento Station is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Portugal and beyond. But did you know that, before it was a point of departure and arrival for travelers, this place was home to the former Convent of S. Bento de Avé Maria? In fact, there’s even a supernatural myth linked to this place’s religious past.
However, it is not because of tales or legends that the São Bento Railway Station, designed by the architect Marques da Silva, has become famous. It’s because of the beauty of its tile-covered interior. The foundation stone was laid in 1900 by King Carlos I, Portugal’s penultimate monarch.
In all, more than 550 m2 of tiles make this one of the station’s main attractions, and the fact that they depict historical scenes stands out.
Where: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto
Lapa Church
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, or simply Igreja da Lapa, was built by the Brotherhood of the same name in the 18th century. However, construction wasn ‘t completed until the 19th century.
This religious temple ‘hides’ a great curiosity. Inside, and kept under lock and key, is the heart of King Pedro IV of Portugal.
The monarch’s heart was donated in his will as a sign of homage and gratitude to the people of Porto for their sacrifices during the famous siege of the city.
In addition, the Church of Lapa has a spectacular pipe organ, the Brotherhood’s ex-libris, which is considered one of the best in the Iberian Peninsula.
Where: Largo da Lapa nº 1, 4050-069 Porto
Cheese Castle
The Fort of São Francisco Xavier, or better said, the Castelo do Queijo is a Property of Public Interest, located in a strategic area, in a dominant position over the sea and relatively close to the mouth of the River Douro.
The name by which this monument became famous, Castelo do Queijo, is potentially due to the fact that it is built on a granite rock in the shape of a cheese. The fortress was built in the 17th century to serve as a bastion of defense.
Where: Praça de Gonçalves Zarco 20, 4100-274 Porto
Monastery of São Bento da Vitória
This suggestion is a little less obvious than the previous ones. Even so, it’s worth a visit. Located in the heart of old Porto, on a street with the same name, the Monastery of São Bento da Vitória was classified as a National Monument in 1977.
The construction of this building, which served the Benedictine monks, dates back to the 17th century and extended into the 18th century, on the site formerly occupied by the Olival Jewish Quarter.
In 2007, part of the building was allocated to the São João National Theatre (one of Porto’s most emblematic the aters), which uses the space to host shows and events.
Note: to visit this monument you need to book 48 hours in advance (information: visitas@tnsj.pt / 22 340 1900).
Where: Rua de São Bento da Vitória 45, 4050-542 Porto
Freixo Palace
The Pestana Palácio do Freixo is one of Porto’s most imposing and beautiful monuments, operating as a luxury hotel.
The building was built in the 18th century and reveals features of great sumptuousness, bearing the seal of quality of the famous architect Nicolau Nasoni.
It is one of the most remarkable examples of Portuguese civil baroque. The palace has a quadrangular floor plan, with four projecting turrets at each angle, covered by pyramid roofs.
The interior has very rich decorative details. But also worth mentioning are the Italian-inspired gardens. A wonderful place, facing the Douro.
Where: Estrada Nacional 108 206, 4300-316 Porto
Chapel of Souls
This is probably one of the most Instagrammable places in Porto.
Located in the heart of the city, the Capela das Almas draws the attention of tourists and locals alike due to its fabulous tiles painted in shades of blue. The religious temple was built at the end of the 18th century.
The tiles that cover the chapel are by Eduardo Leite. They date from 1929 and depict the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine.
Where: Rua de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-124 Porto
Church of Santo Ildefonso
Located in Praça da Batalha, the Church of Santo Ildefonso was built in the 18th century and is an excellent example of Baroque architecture in the city. Therefore, we think it makes perfect sense to include it in the list of monuments and attractions to visit in Porto.
The exterior of the church stands out for its tile cladding by Jorge Colaço. Inside, the beautiful stained glass windows are worth mentioning, as are the neo-classical altars and the Baroque carved altarpiece. Since 1977, the Church of Santo Ildefonso has been classified as a Property of Public Interest.
Where: R. de Santo Ildefonso, 11
Fernandine Walls
It was built in 1336 by King Afonso IV. However, Porto’s medieval wall would only be completed during the reign of King Ferdinand, in 1376; hence the name by which it would become known – Fernandina Wall.
Little of the original section has survived to this day, with only two sections remaining : one in Guindais and the other in Caminho Novo, both classified as National Monuments since 1926.