
When it comes to churches, chapels and other religious temples, Porto ‘hides’ true architectural masterpieces (and more). 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 medieval symbols to Baroque examples, 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 itinerary.
Table Of Contents
Carmo Church
Classified as a National Monument in 2013, the Igreja do Carmo enjoys a privileged location in the center of Porto, close to the Torre dos Clérigos and the Livraria Lello.
In this context, it’s no surprise that its tiled exterior façade is a tourist attraction in its own right.
As well as being one of the most beautiful churches in the city, this religious temple is an impressive example of the rococo style. Right next door is what is considered to be the ‘Narrowest House in Porto’.
📍Rua do Carmo
Church of the Convent of São Francisco
With a breathtaking view over the River Douro, this is one of the most beautiful religious temples in the city. Classified as a National Monument since 1910 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, the Church of São Francisco is a must-see.
Construction began in the 14th century as part of a Franciscan convent. However, today it stands out for the exuberance of its interior in gilded woodwork from the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the most curious aspects is the contrast between the interior’s flourishes and the sobriety of 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 18th century. Also noteworthy are the catacombs, something that cemetery fans will surely appreciate.
Clérigos Church
The Clérigos Church is one of the most beautiful in Porto and is part of the Clérigos architectural complex, which includes the famous Tower. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1910 and was designed by the architect Nicolau Nasoni, who marked the city in the 18th century.
The interior features large paintings and sculptures, as well as 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 Souls
If you like tile art, then you really have to visit (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 20th century, by the painter Amândio Silva.
📍428 Rua de Santa Catarina
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 landmark of the Baroque style typical of northern Portugal. At the same time, it is also one of Portugal’s greatest examples of gilded woodwork.
Built next to the Fernandine 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 18th century.
📍Largo Primeiro de Dezembro
Church of Santo Ildefonso
Located in the heart of Praça da Batalha, the Church of Santo Ildefonso was built in the 18th century and is still one of the best examples of the Baroque style in the city. The façade is made up of two bell towers topped on each side by fancy spheres and pediments, with the patron saint’s niche rising above.
Outside, the walls covered in tiles by Jorge Colaço make this one of the most beautiful churches in Porto, even without entering the temple. The photogenic artwork 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 a mention. 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 city’s most important medieval monuments. Its construction began in the 12th century, but the work lasted until the 13th century. 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.
There are also 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, the Cathedral of Porto is one of the must-visit religious temples, thanks to its role throughout history. What’s more, passing through here is synonymous with traveling back in time and immersing yourself directly in the Invicta city’s past.
📍Terreiro da Sé
Church of Mercy
The Igreja Privativa da Mis ericórdia is one of the historical and cultural ‘treasures’ worth visiting in Porto. Located on Rua das Flores, to get in you have to go to the incredible MMIPO – Museu e Igreja da Misericórdia no Porto -, one of our favorite museums.
Dating back to the 16th century, the church underwent an intervention in the 18th century at the hands of the famous architect Nicolau Nasoni, who was responsible for the Torre dos Clérigos and other emblematic works.
Inside, one of the most beautiful churches, the blue and white tiles stand out, as does the organ on the second floor.
📍Rua das Flores, 15
Although not highlighted in this article, there are other churches that deserve the epithet ‘most beautiful in Porto’:
- Igreja da Lapa;
- Church of Senhora da Conceição, among others.