DominguesOne of Porto’s main attractions are its churches and cathedrals, which are not always as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside, so prepare to be surprised. I visited dozens of churches in Porto on my most recent stay in the city, and I was impressed by their stained glass windows, gilded carvings, sculptures or even their incredible museums of sacred art.
In this article I prepared a top 26 Churches and Cathedrals in Porto to visit, which includes the most important and magnificent ones, with emphasis on the Churches of Santa Clara and São Francisco. I will also mention some churches in Vila Nova de Gaia, for example the one of Corpus Christi Convent, which has an outstanding high choir. 😉 I will leave you many photos along the text, so that you understand well what awaits you.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
Porto Card
Buying Porto Card may or may not be worth it. I wrote about all the advantages in my article related to a complete Porto Itinerary, so go read it to know more. It allows some discounts and even free entrances in some sights of the city.
- Get the Porto Card with Get Your Guide.
- The card is only valid for one person, so if you are traveling as a family or as a couple, you will have to buy one card per person.
Accommodation Tips and Hotels in Porto
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Porto View by Patio25 | 9.1 | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| Vincii Ponte de Ferro | 9.3 | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| The House of Sandeman | 9.4 | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| 296 Heritage Apartments | 9.5 | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| 7 Gaia Roaster Apartments | 9.2 | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| Gran Cruz House | 9.5 | Ribeira do Porto |
| Memoria Porto Hotel | 9.3 | Ribeira do Porto |
| Casa da Companhia | 9.6 | Rua das Flores |
| Porto Bay Flores | 9.4 | Rua das Flores |
| Vitoria Terrace Apartments | 9.9 | Vitória Viewpoint |
| Look at Me | 9.3 | Trindade |
| Santa Catarina Apartments | 9.4 | Bolhão |
| BessaHotel Baixa | 9.1 | Bolhão |
| Spot Family Apartments | 9.3 | Bolhão / Trindade |
| Almada 333 | 9.4 | Aliados |
| Maison Albar Hotels | 9.5 | Aliados |
| Oporto Local Studios | 9.2 | Aliados |
| Mercure Aliados | 9.1 | Aliados |
| Porto Central Flats | 9.2 | Rua Mouzinho da Silveira |
| The Passenger Hostel | 9.2 | São Bento |
| Clérigos Apartments | 9.1 | Clérigos |
| Oca Oriental Hotel | 9.1 | Heroísmo / Campanhã |
| Mouco Hotel | 9.0 | Heroísmo / Campanhã |
| Predicados do Douro | 9.2 | Crystal Palace Gardens |
| Pestana Douro | 9.0 | Valbom |
| Marquês Apartments | 9.1 | Marquês |
| Porto Deluxe Suites | 9.3 | Boavista |
Best 26 Churches and Cathedrals in Porto
My favorite church in Porto is without a doubt the Church of Santa Clara, the first one I’m going to write about. But there are many others, which I begin by identifying on the map below.
Map with the best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto
1. Church of Santa Clara
The Church of Santa Clara underwent a restoration process between 2019 and 2021, which gave a new shine to its gilded carving. In my opinion, it is impossible to enter the church and not be amazed by all its richness, on the walls, altar and ceiling. The detail is incredible, and I really recommend you watch it for a while, take your time.
Then you have to go up to the high choir, where the nuns attended mass, with a viewpoint overlooking the church. Out of curiosity, I was told that the nuns sat on the benches according to their personality, staying next to the frown that best represented them.
The church and convent date from the first half of the 15th century, although another monastery of the same order already existed in Porto since the 13th century, on the outskirts of the city. It was Queen Filipa de Lencastre who managed to transfer it to the center of Porto, dying, however, before construction began.
2. Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th centuries, at the request of the first bishop of Porto, D. Hugo, and in honor of Santa Maria, or Our Lady of Eternal Salvation. The cloister, however, is from the 14th century, as is the tomb of the knight João Gordo. It was in this cathedral that the kings D. João I and D. Filipa de Lencastre were married in 1387.
Despite preserving many elements of the original structure, such as the rose window on the main façade, in the 17th and 18th centuries an intense remodeling of the exterior and interior space was carried out, in accordance with the Baroque style. Inside you will find several chapels, dedicated to the cults of different entities.
You can also visit the Museum of the Cathedral, namely the Treasury of the Cathedral composed of pieces of jewellery, vestments and liturgical books of immense value. Don’t forget the cloister with its fantastic tiles, the Cabido house or the Chapter Room. It is also possible to go up to the tower for a viewpoint over the city and Douro river.
- Note that it is possible to purchase an individual ticket to visit the Cathedral of Porto, for €3, however it is preferable to purchase a joint ticket to also visit the Episcopal Palace, residence of the bishops of Porto, and which has an even more impressive interior than that of the Cathedral itself. 😉 The joint ticket has a discount!
3. Church of São Lourenço – Grilos
Next is the Church of São Lourenço, also known as Crickets Church (Church of Grilos). It is located very close to Porto Cathedral, but is much more recent, having begun to be built by the Jesuits in the 16th century, although it was only completed in the 18th century.
The designation “crickets” emerged after the expulsion of the Jesuits by order of the Marquis of Pombal, in the mid-18th century. The church was then donated to the University of Coimbra, until it was acquired by the Barefoot Friars of Santo Agostinho. These friars came from a neighborhood called “do Grilo”, in Lisbon, which is why they ended up gaining the fame of “frades do Grilo”, or “Cricket friars”.
You can visit not only the Church itself, but also its museum of sacred art and archeology, which includes notable pieces of sculpture.
4. Church of São Nicolau
The Church of São Nicolau, in Porto, may not be always open to the public during your visit to the city, or at least that’s what happened to me. If you find it closed, choose to attend Sunday or afternoon masses. It is, however, optional, as in this list you will find better options with more convenient times.
This is a church built in the 18th century, but originally dating back to the 13th century. Its location stands out, very close to Ribeira do Porto and Palácio da Bolsa, unmissable places to visit in Porto.
5. Church of São Francisco
The Church of São Francisco is my second favorite in Porto and, when I visited it recently, the main altar was being restored, which means that it may acquire a new shine in the future. It is believed that over 300 kilos of gold dust were used inside this church.
The Church of São Francisco dates from the 14th century, reign of King Fernando. Be sure to visit its huge catacombs, with an impressive ossuary of thousands of human bones. In this place are buried elements of several noble families of Porto, as well as many of the friars of the Franciscan order. It is open all year round, with longer opening hours in the summer.
6. Church of São João Novo
The Church of São João Novo has an identical appearance to the Church of Grilos, already mentioned, in terms of the main façade. It belonged to the extinct convent of Frades Gracianos de Santo Agostinho, founded in Porto at the end of the 16th century.
7. Church of São Pedro de Miragaia
The Church of São Pedro de Miragaia may be a little out of hand and, in my case, I visited it only because I wanted to walk to the Crystal Palace Gardens, one of the best parks in Porto. As the name implies, it is a tribute to São Pedro, saint of fishermen, with whom the Miragaia area was closely associated in the past. In the surroundings, how about visiting the World of Discoveries theme park, dedicated to the Portuguese discoveries?
8. Church of São José das Taipas
With regard to the Church of São José das Taipas, I highlight the fact that it also has catacombs that can be visited, just like the Church of São Francisco. However, they are much smaller in size.
This church was built between 1795 and 1878 and is the only church in Porto dedicated to São José. In the catacombs are buried the dead of a specific bridge disaster, which occurred during the French invasions.
Entrance to the church is free, however it is necessary to pay for a guided tour to access the catacombs and other museum spaces in the building, with several pieces of sacred art, and even a fabulous 18th-century nativity scene.
Nearby you will find the the beautiful Cordoaria Garden, and also the old Porto Prison, which now houses a photography museum.
9. Church of Our Lady of Victory
This church is right next to one of the best viewpoints in Porto. It dates from the 16th century, but was rebuilt in the 18th century due to a fire that destroyed it. It emerged in the place of the old New Jewry, and according to some historians, it came to symbolize the victory of the Christian religion over the Jewish one, hence its name. It was one of the churches most affected by the Siege of Porto in the 1930s.
10. Church of São Bento da Vitória
The church of São Bento da Vitória is on the same street as the previous one, and is part of a monastery of Benedictine monks founded at the end of the 16th century.
In the context of the Peninsular War, the Monastery was converted into a Military Hospital and, after the expulsion of the Religious Orders, it began to function as a Military Court and Infantry Barracks. More recently, it became the headquarters of the National Orchestra of Porto, and the District Archive.
Here are also presented some of the various shows, concerts and other cultural manifestations of the National Theater of São João. See how to schedule a visit to the church on the National Theater website.
11. Church of Mercy in Porto
The Church of Mercy dates from the second half of the 16th century and is located in the middle of Rua das Flores, one of the main and busiest streets in the city. It was the subject of a major intervention in the 18th century, led by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect who was responsible for many other important works of that century in Porto.
To enter the Church, it is also necessary to visit MMIPO (Museum of Mercy) as there is no separate ticket for just one of the places.
The Benefactors Gallery stands out, with several portraits of those who over time contributed the most to the church. However, many other pieces of art are on display, as well as information about the church and order. As a curiosity, MMIPO was elected as the best Portuguese Museum in 2016, but in my opinion it is far from being the best in Porto today.
12. Carmo Church
Carmo Church is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful churches in Porto, especially for its tiled side façade, dating from 1912, which features drawings by Silvestre Silvestri, alluding to the cult of Our Lady. The church itself dates from the second half of the 18th century, being one of the main and most impressive Rococo buildings in Porto. A visit to the church includes discovering its “Hidden House”, the sacristy and other museum rooms with pieces of sacred art and even silver jewelry, all belonging to the Order of Carmo.
13. Carmelitas Church
Carmelitas Church is attached to Carmo Church, and dates from the mid-17th century, although its exterior façade appeared at the same time as the other church. It is a national monument, just like Carmo Church, and both can be visited, taking into account the various masses held throughout the day, during which entry is only allowed, demanding due respect for the faithful that are praying.
14. Clérigos Church and Tower
Of course, it is also essential to visit Clérigos Church and climb the 240 steps (approximately) to the top of Clérigos Tower, 75 meters high, a baroque monument from the first half of the 18th century, in granite, by Nicolau Nasoni. To purchase tickets, visit this link.
EXTRA: During my stay in Porto, I was able to attend a multimedia show at Clérigos Church, at night. It was the Spiritus Multimedia Show, with light projections inside the church. See if something like that is available, during your time in Porto.
15. Church of Santo António dos Congregados
The Congregados Church is right next to São Bento Station, and dates from the beginning of the 18th century. Of particular note is the niche with the image of Saint Anthony on the façade, and the tiles with representations of his life.
As a curiosity, the Church served in the past as a warehouse for war material, and also as a hospital. There was a tower, demolished in 1842. The beautiful stained glass windows are from 1920.
16. Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church was built during the 19th century, and is located at the back of Avenida dos Aliados. Noteworthy is the large painting by José de Brito, on the main altar, representing the Baptism of Christ.
17. Chapel of Souls
The Chapel of Souls is located in Bolhão, right next to the metro station, and is also known as Chapel of Saint Catherine. Its main attraction are the approx. 16,000 tiles covering the exterior of the church, added in 1929, depicting episodes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. The church itself dates from the 18th century.
18. Church of Santo Ildefonso
You should also visit the Church of Santo Ildefonso, also covered in tiles on the main façade, this time the theme being the life of Santo Ildefonso de Toledo and some episodes from the New Testament. The church was built between 1709 and 1739, and the aforementioned tiles, by Jorge Colaço, are from 1932.
I particularly liked the stained glass windows in this church, beautiful when illuminated by the sun, in addition to the 18th century gilded carving. There is the possibility of visiting its Museum of Sacred Art, with various textile pieces, old books, statues, paintings, etc.
Access to the Church of Santo Ildefonso is via a pleasant staircase, which helps place it on this list of the most beautiful churches in Porto, as it allows for a fantastic and unique setting for photography. From the entrance to the church, be sure to admire the viewpoint over Clérigos Church and Tower.
I also highlight the small handicraft market that is found every day next to this church. 😉 It has the name of Feira de Artesanato da Batalha.
19. Church of Nossa Senhora do Terço
As for the Church of Nossa Senhora do Terço, it is not far from the National Theater. Honestly, I don’t think it’s possible to visit the interior, except during mass times. Its construction dates back to the second half of the 18th century.
There is also the Hospital building connected to the church, linked to some of the most important surgeries performed in the past in Portugal, such as the first cesarean section in the country, dating from 1782.
20. Church of Bonfim
The Church of Bonfim and the next 3 churches on this list are located on the outskirts of Porto and not in the historic center. But it’s relatively easy to get there using public transportion.
This 1st church is grandiose from the outside, with two bell towers that reach 42 meters in height. Inside, its orange tones stand out. The church dates from the second half of the 19th century, although there was an earlier chapel, much smaller, known since the 18th century.
21. Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição was built between 1938 and 1947, so it is relatively recent compared to the others. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Porto for its stained glass windows, Arab influence in the decoration and the possibility of accessing the tower to a beautiful viewpoint, which, as a curiosity, is the highest in the city of Porto.
22. Church of Lapa
The Church of Lapa emerged in the second half of the 18th century and is associated with the Jesuits, namely Father Ângelo de Sequeira, born in São Paulo, Brazil. It was he who came to Portugal with the intention of spreading devotion to Nossa Senhora da Lapa.
On the exterior façade, the two towers, added in the mid-19th century, stand out, as well as the 4 female figures, representing 4 Old Testament women: Rachel, Judith, Esther and Sarah.
Inside, be sure to admire the Mausoleum of D. Pedro IV, which contains the heart of this king, Emperor of Brazil, offered to the city of Porto by his widow, the Empress D. Amélia, fulfilling her husband’s wish. Also noteworthy are the stained glass windows and the wooden image of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, sculpted by the founder Father Ângelo de Sequeira between 1753 and 1754.
23. Romanesque Church of São Martinho de Cedofeita
The Romanesque Church of São Martinho de Cedofeita probably dates from the beginning of the 13th century, replacing an earlier one from the 6th century that would be related to a miracle of São Martinho de Tours associated with the conversion of the Suevi. At least that’s what the inscription says on one of the tympanums of the entrance doors.
24. Church of the Convent of Corpus Christi (in Gaia)
Turning now to the churches on the other side of the Douro river, in Gaia, I start with the Church of the Convent of Corpus Christi, for me the best of all the ones I mention below, dating from the 17th century, replacing an older one from the 14th century, already degraded by the constant river floods.
Of note is the beautiful high-choir, more imposing than the church itself, and with a coffered ceiling decorated with oil paintings, representing Saints, Doctors of the Church and Dominican figures. Also noteworthy are the archaeological remains outside.
This is an example of a church that is not surprising from the outside, but that inside leaves us completely dazzled by the beauty that we find. The rest of the old monastery complex is now owned by Gaia Town Hall, and was converted into a cultural space, called Espaço Corpus Christi.
25. Church of Santa Marinha (in Gaia)
Still next to Ribeira de Gaia, and very close to the Best Port Wine Cellars in the region, you will find the Church of Santa Marinha. Its foundation dates back to the 14th century.
26. Monastery of Serra do Pilar (in Gaia)
The Monastery of Serra do Pilar is the last church on this list, and one of the most emblematic and mandatory places to visit in Porto, mainly because from its terrace you will find an unparalleled viewpoint, ideal for the sunset.
The monastery emerged in the 16th century, and I highlight the circular shape of its church and cloister. As a curiosity, it was occupied by Wellington’s troops in the early 19th century, when the Portuguese army planned to attack the city of Porto, then occupied by Napoleon’s French troops.
Extra 1: Chapel of Senhor da Pedra (in Gaia)
As an extra to this list of the 26 best churches and cathedrals in Porto, I leave you one located on the coast of Vila Nova de Gaia, in the middle of Miramar beach by the sea. It is the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra, with a unique style compared to the others presented. How about taking advantage of the visit to walk along the Arcozelo Walkways?
Extra 2: Church of Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
I also highlight the Church of Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, from the 18th century. Senhor de Matosinhos is the patron saint of the city with the same name, and can be easily reached by metro from the center of Porto. It is a pleasant region to discover, with fantastic beaches to enjoy also, such as Leça da Palmeira.
Nicolau Nasoni – Do you know who he was?
Nicolau Nasoni was one of the architects who most contributed to making the city of Porto what it is today, despite having his work done also in other places of Portugal. He is Italian and was born in 1691, having come to Porto in 1725, where he ended up dying in 1773. His main works are:
- In the Cathedral of Porto, between 1725 and 1739 – works in the chancel and sacristy, as is the case with the paintings in these two places, and the portals. He also contributed to the baroque ornamentation of the cloister.
- Paintings in the Cathedral of Lamego, about which you can check on my dedicated article with things to do in Lamego. He is also responsible for the Fountain at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Both works from 1734 to 1738.
- Works at Quinta de Santa Cruz do Bispo, in Matosinhos – 1737. In this same municipality, he was responsible for the façade of the Church of Senhor Bom Jesus (1743 to 1747), and also for the House and Gardens of Quinta do Viso, between 1746 and 1758.
- Freixo Palace, in Porto – 1742 to 1750.
- House and gardens of Quinta da Prelada, in Porto (1743 to 1758).
- The Restoration of the Church of Santa Marinha, mentioned in this article – 1745.
- The House of Ramalde, in Porto (1746).
- Dispatch House of the Third Order of São Francisco, also in Porto, between 1746 and 1749.
- Finally, the façade of the Church of Mercy in Porto.
Of course, his most famous work was Clérigos Church and Tower. Construction took place between 1732 and 1763, and it was in this church that he was buried after death.
Tours to visit Porto + Tickets
If you want to visit more of the city than the churches and Cathedrals in Porto, check the following guided tour tips by Civitatis, Viator and Get Your Guide, all over the city. How about renting an electric bike for your stay in Porto?
Examples of Porto Tours: 1 - Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 2 - Porto Card + Public Transportation 3 - Douro River Six Bridges Cruise 4 - Palácio da Bolsa Guided Tour 5 - Porto pub crawl 6 - Torre dos Clérigos Entrance Ticket 7 - Ticket to World of Discoveries 8 - FC Porto Stadium + Museum Tour 9 - SEA LIFE Porto Tickets 10 - Serralves Foundation Museum + Park Ticket 11 - Casa da Guitarra Fado Show 12 - Fado Show at Ideal Club 13 - Complete Porto Tour with Tickets 14 - Porto Jetboat experience 15 - Douro Sunset Sailboat Experience in Porto 16 - Port Wine Tour | 3 Cellars | 7 Tastings 17 - Private Electric Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour 18 - Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto
Day trips from Porto
After visiting the city of Porto, why don’t you opt for day trips to various points of interest in the north and center of Portugal, and even Galicia? Other possibility is to just rent a car with Discover Cars and do it by yourself.
Day trips from Porto with Get Your Guide: 1 - Douro Valley Tour from Porto 2 - Vineyards Tour from Porto with Lunch 3 - Braga and Guimarães day trip 4 - Surf Experience 5 - Santiago de Compostela Day trip from Porto 6 - Paiva Walkways day trip from Porto 7 - Peneda-Gerês National Park Day trip from Porto 8 - Aveiro Day trip from Porto 9 - Fátima and Coimbra Day Trip from Porto
Day trips from Porto with Viator: 1 - Douro Valley Small-Group Tour 2 - Authentic Douro Wine Tour with River Cruise 3 - Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip 4 - Aveiro & Costa Nova Half Day Tour 5 - Full-Day Tour to Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho 6 - Peneda Geres National Park Tour from Porto 7 - Arouca Suspension Bridge and Paiva Walkway Day Tour from Porto 8 - 4x4 Porto Mountain Excursion 9 - Fátima and Coimbra Full Day Tour
Day trips from Porto with Civitatis: 1 - Guimarães and Braga Day Trip 2 - Douro Valley Wine Tasting and Tour 3 - Douro Region Full day Tour 4 - Fátima and Coimbra Day Trip 5 - Day trip to Santiago de Compostela 6 - Paiva Walkways + 516 Bridge Tour 7 - Peneda-Gerês National Park Day Tour 8 - Aveiro and Costa Nova day trip 9 - Matosinhos Surf Class 10 - Régua Day Cruise from Porto 11 - 1 Day Cruise to Pinhão
More articles about the North of Portugal
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
