Sacred Corners - Porto
There is no shortage of churches, cathedrals, chapels, and former monasteries in Porto’s historic center. This post is just a small sampling of what can be found. Some of the popular ones now charge entrance fees which can add up quite quick, research ahead of time was a must to know which ones we wanted to visit.
The Chapel of Souls covered in azulejos tiles was one of the first things we saw when coming up out of Bolhão station. Quite the introduction to Porto.
This is not one, but two churches (Igreja do Carmo and Igreja do Carmolitas) with a narrow hidden house tucked in between them. Don’t forget to check out the side of this church as well which is covered in, yep, blue tiles.
The gates of the Church of Saint Ildefonso were always closed whenever we went by, but that didn’t stop us from admiring the blue exterior.
The Church of Saint Francis is most known for its baroque alter (through that open door in the picture) which was being restored at the time we went, so we couldn’t see it. However, all was not lost.
The other thing this church is known for is the catacombs which are impressive to wander. Just…um…tread lightly as there are graves beneath the floorboards.
For a baroque altar alternative, try the Igreja de Santa Clara which has been around since the 1400s. The entrance fee is quite reasonable and the interior was recently restored in 2021, so all the gold and gilt interior has been freshly polished to a stunning shine.
The Porto Cathedral has all the usual church things, but one thing that sets it apart is a beautiful display of blue tile around the cloisters both on the first and the second levels. A joint ticket can be purchased to the Bishop’s Palace next door.
When we first saw this place, we assumed it was a church, but it is now the Museum of Sacred Arts and Archaeology.
Even the libraries here come from sacred beginnings. This is the Public Library of Porto, formerly a convent from the 18th century.
And I can’t end this post without mentioning the tallest tower in the historic center standing at 75m tall, Clerigos Tower which is a church bell tower. It is climbable for, you guessed it, a small fee.