Porto and the Douro go hand in hand, a setting that makes us feel like we are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a place loved by locals and admired by tourists. A city with iconic landscapes and centuries of history. Shall we visit some of Porto’s monuments?
But Porto is more than just a postcard. It is also a city steeped in history, as evidenced by its many monuments and buildings of public interest. After a medieval tour outside Porto, it’s time to travel back in time in the heart of Invicta. Take note of our suggestions.
Located in the heart of Porto, Livraria Lello was once considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and is undoubtedly one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions . Opened in 1906 by brothers José and António Lello, the building is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. However, one of the most impressive features is inside.
Once you walk through the door, get ready to take lots of photos of its iconic central staircase, or its magnificent eight-meter-long stained glass window that adorns the ceiling, allowing natural light to illuminate the carved wooden bookshelves that extend to the top.
In addition to its beauty, Livraria Lello is often associated with the fantastic world of Harry Potter. Although this connection is a source of debate, the truth is that it attracts many fans of the young wizard. Today , this space has been officially elevated to national monument status.
The Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s landmarks and probably one of its most photographed buildings, which is not surprising. After all, its grandeur 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 Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century. Also noteworthy is the Clérigos Church, with its Baroque style and rich decorative detail.
Visiting the Palácio da Bolsa is synonymous with finding one of the most beautiful monuments in Porto. This building impresses with its elegance and decorative richness.
Construction of the Palácio da Bolsa began in the second half of the 19th century, on the site of the former Convent of São Francisco, which was destroyed by fire. Since then, it has been the headquarters of the Porto Commercial Association.
Inside, there are many rooms and details that stand out. But there is one place in particular that does not seem to be in Porto. We are referring, of course, to the Arab Room, which impresses with its aesthetics reminiscent of the Alhambra.
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 several renovations over the years. It features Romanesque (and other) architectural elements.
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 medieval times, is an almost obligatory stop.
As a symbol of the medieval importance of this building, in 1387, King João I married Filipa de Lencastre in Porto Cathedral. Another interesting fact is that here, in the 18th century… Also, take advantage of being nearby and admire the Pelourinho da Sé (cathedral pillory).
Paço Episcopal do 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 the first true palace of the city of Invicta.
Built in the late Baroque style, construction of the building began in the 18th century to serve as the official residence of the Bishop of Porto. Today, it is possible to visit part of the monument, namely the museum space.
Inside, you can enjoy various historical “treasures” and an incredible view of the city!
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 must visit at least once in your life in the city.
Currently, one of the great attractions of this religious temple is the exuberance of its interior, filled with gilded woodcarvings. In addition, it is also worth highlighting the altarpiece of the Tree of Jesse and the catacombs, something worthy of the most courageous or fans of cemeteries.
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 departure and arrival point for travelers, this site was home to the old Convent of S. Bento de Avé Maria? In fact, there is even a supernatural myth linked to the religious past of this place.
However, it is not because of stories or legends that the São Bento Railway Station, designed by architect Marques da Silva, became famous. Rather, it is because of the beauty of its interior, covered with tiles. The first stone was laid in 1900 by King Carlos I, the penultimate monarch of Portugal.
In total, more than 550 m² of tiles make this one of the station’s main attractions, with the added highlight that they depict historical scenes.
Lapa Church
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, or simply Igreja da Lapa, was commissioned by the Brotherhood of the same name in the 18th century. However, the work was only completed in 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 ex-libris of the Brotherhood, which is considered one of the best in the Iberian Peninsula.
The Fort of São Francisco Xavier, or rather, the Castelo do Queijo, is a Building of Public Interest, located in a strategic area, in a dominant position overlooking the sea and relatively close to the mouth of the Douro River.
The name by which this monument became famous, Castelo do Queijo(Cheese Castle), is potentially due to the fact that it is built on a granite rock shaped like cheese. The fortress was built in the 17th century to serve as a defensive bastion.
Monastery of São Bento da Vitória
This suggestion is a little less obvious than the previous ones. Even so, it is worth a visit. Located in the heart of old Porto, on a street of 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 previously occupied by the Judiaria do Olival.
In 2007, part of the building was assigned to the São João National Theater (one of Porto’s most iconic venues ), which enhances the space by hosting shows and events.
Note: to visit this monument, you must book 48 hours in advance (information: visitas@tnsj.pt / +351 22 340 1900).
The Pestana Palácio do Freixo is one of the most imposing and beautiful monuments in Porto, functioning as a luxury hotel.
The building was constructed in the 18th century and reveals traces of great sumptuousness, bearing the seal of quality of the famous architect Nicolau Nasoni.
This is one of the most remarkable examples of Portuguese civil baroque architecture. The palace has a quadrangular floor plan, with four protruding towers at each corner, covered by pyramid roofs.
The interior features very rich decorative details. But the Italian-inspired gardens are also worth mentioning. A wonderful place, right in front of the Douro.
This is probably one of the most Instagrammable places in Porto.
Located in the heart of the city, the Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) attracts tourists and locals alike with its fabulous blue-painted tiles. The religious temple was built at the end of the 18th century.
The tiles that cover the Chapel were designed by Eduardo Leite. They date from 1929 and depict the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine.
Santo Ildefonso Church
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 this temple in the list of monuments and attractions to visit in Porto.
On the outside of the church , the tile covering by Jorge Colaço stands out . Inside , the beautiful stained glass windows are worth mentioning , as well as the neoclassical altars and the baroque carved altarpiece. Since 1977, the Church of Santo Ildefonso has been classified as a Building of Public Interest.
Fernandina Walls
It was built in 1336 by King Afonso IV. However, Porto’s medieval wall would only be completed during the reign of King Fernando in 1376, hence the name by which it would become known – Muralha Fernandina(Fernando’s 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.