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My Escapes Portugal Another Lovely Trip to Portugal! Porto Exploring Vintage Porto Porto's Most Beautiful [...]
Porto's Most Beautiful Churches
Looking up Porto's ravishing old churches was an uplifting urban adventure.
A profusion of these holy places have delicately-painted azulejo murals. As you will see from my pictures, these churches are some of Porto's best assets and, it would be a shame not to visit at least a few of them.
To me, it was an awe-inspiring experience, but I had several days at my disposal and the distances I covered were relatively large.
I did the church tour alone, putting together an itinerary using photos and names of churches, Google maps and paper maps.
It requires plenty of walking, but you can opt-in for either a bus or a vintage tram to reduce the effort. I however, relied on my own two feet to explore thoroughly...
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It was not only worth the effort, but I now think this should be the top thing you should do in Porto besides seeing the city's panorama (that would still be the greatest experience not to miss).
If you have little time, then pick the ones you like the most and visit those.
The churches are among the main reasons why Porto became my second most favourite city in Europe (right after Barcelona), topping Valencia, which was my second favourite until my Porto visit.
Below I'll show you the churches, one-by-one with photos!
Capela de Santa Catarina
The small church on the beautiful Rua de Santa Catarina has stunned me with its beautiful azulejo exterior walls.
In fact, this church impressed me the most. It's my favourite!
The Capela de Santa Catarina stands at a street corner
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The building was constructed in the 18th century, but major expansion and renovation works have substantially altered it in 1801.
15,947 azulejo tiles cover more than 33 sq m (about 360 sq ft).
I stayed there for more than half an hour, probably 45 minutes, contemplating the design
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The designer of the tiles was Eduardo Leite and the azulejos covering the walls date back to 1929.
The depictions present the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine - they're venerated at this chapel.
Igreja do Santo Ildefonso
I was very lucky to have my hotel very close in the proximity of the Igreja de Santo Ildefonos, which is situated near the Batalha Square.
The Santo Ildefonoso Church is among the most imposing ones in Porto.
Erected in 1739 in Proto-baroque style, it's named in honour of Visigoth Ildephonsus of Toledo (who was the bishop of Toledo between 657-667).
Climbing the sloped Rua 31 de Janeiro, the church appeared to dominate the area.
As I was climbing, it was standing at the end of the road, a more sunlit spot - having plenty of spotlight. Photographers will love it.
One of the most scenic street walks I had in Porto was walking uphill on the mentioned Rua 31 de Janeiro.
Taking a closer look at the building, I noticed it required some restoration work.
But I'd worry that the old patina could disappear. I've seen monument-ruining "restoration work" in several other countries. The patina is almost impossible to keep.
Churches like the Santo Ildefonso contribute to an unparalleled vintage atmosphere, which characterizes the city of Porto.
What's great about this place is that here you can embark Porto's heritage tram and go on a sightseeing ride.
Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços
It was finalized in 1628, but the interior was only finished by 1650.
The church belonged to a convent, whose building is now occupied by the Portuguese Republican National Guard - the equivalent of a gendarmerie force.
Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços with a heritage tram
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The interior is very beautiful.
I had no chance to visit it. It was either closed or I was running out of time, but the exterior was alluring.
Rua Professor de Abel Salazar is the street where you'll find it. As you can see on the photos, the heritage trams also circulate in the area.
Side walls richly decorated with azulejos
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This church is one of Porto's most beautiful ones, in my opinion.
The Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços is near a wide-open square - so photographing and admiring it is fairly easy. Nothing hinders the view.
Also worth mentioning: the Art Nouveau Livraria Lello & Irmão is situated in the vicinity.
The beautiful facade with complex decorations
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The Porto Cathedral (Sé)
The construction of the Cathedral of Porto commenced in 1110 and was completed in the 1200's, but it was altered substantially in the 1700's.
At the time of my visit it was impossible to find it open...
One of the most visited attractions in Porto: the Sé
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Visiting the Cathedral should not be left out - it's the most prominent church in Porto. Although, I like the azulejo-covered newer churches, I still appreciate the importance of the Cathedral.
I'd add: the terrace near it is one of the best viewpoints for seeing Porto's panorama!
The main entrance is at the terrace area
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Igreja de São José das Taipas
The Igreja de São José das Taipas is a predominantly Neo-classical style church built between 1795-1878 designed by architect Carlos Amarante.
It's asymmetrical with a single bell tower.
There wasn't much movement around this church and after the many others I've seen, I wasn't very enthusiastic about it.
It is located on the Rua Barbarosa de Castro.
I like the nearby Jardím da Cordoaria very much. Worth relaxing under the trees, if you have the time.
Igreja dos Clérigos
This Baroque church owns a tall bell tower called Torre dos Clérigos, which is visible from a very long distance - as you can see on the photo below, taken from the terrace at the Cathedral.
The Igreja dos Clérigos name literally means Church of the Clerics.
The churches tower marks the skyline. It's clearly visible from faraway distances.
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Climbing the Rua dos Clérigos, you will come across the church at the top. But, it's visible from a long distance, as a massive building.
The building is the design of Nicolau Nassoni, Italian architect and painter.
Igreja dos Clérigos from another angle
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This one is a richly decorated Baroque church raised between 1732-1750.
The tower is found at the back of the building and it was only built between 1754-1763. It was inspired by the Tuscan campaniles and reflects Roman Baroque influences.
The tower has a height of 75.6 m and is 6 storeys high. 240 steps have to be climbed to get up there.
The location and unusual shape of the church made me wonder where the entrance could be...
Well, it overlooks the slope of the Rua dos Clérigos, which leads down to the city centre.
Speaking of this location...
The vintage trams also circulate on the mentioned road, but they run behind the church, on the shadier street, Rua Assunçao, which has scarce pedestrian traffic.
Igreja do Santo António dos Congregados
The Igreja do Santo António dos Congregados was built in 1703, replacing a smaller chapel that once stood there.
It is dedicated to St. Anthony, who is also portrayed on the azulejos.
Sandwiched between newer buildings...
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You will find this church at the Rua Sá da Bandeira, not far from the São Bento Railway Station.
This last one is still beautiful, although most others top it by far in terms of aesthetics.
I hope this guide will inspire you to visit these beautiful churches in Porto.
Actually, so far this was the most awe-inspiring collection of churches that I've ever seen in any city.
Also check the other things to see and do in Porto if you're planning a trip to the city.
About the Author:
Escape Hunter, the young solo traveler in his early 30's explores the World driven by curiosity, thirst for adventure, deep passion for beauty, love for freedom and diversity.
With a nuanced, even humorous approach to travel, an obsession for art and design, Escape Hunter prefers to travel slowly, in order to learn and "soak up" the local atmosphere...
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