1. Church of Carmo

The Church of Carmo was built between 1756 and 1768 and is one of the best examples of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Porto.

The beautiful blue-and-white tile panel on the side of the church was added in 1912. It is made of around 10,000 hand-painted tiles and tells the story of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel.

 

The Hidden House

One of the most interesting stories is the tiny house between the Church of Carmo and the Church of the Carmelites. It is only about 1 metre (3 feet) wide, making it one of the narrowest houses in Portugal.

Many local people say the house was built to keep the monks and the nuns apart. It is a wonderful story, but historians believe the real reason was an old Church law that did not allow two churches to share the same wall.

 

The space between the churches was therefore turned into a small three-floor house.

Over the years, priests, chaplains and church workers lived there. During the French Invasions (1807–1811) and later during the Liberal Wars (1832–1834), the house was also used as a secret passage between the two churches.

Today, visitors can walk inside the Hidden House and discover its history.

The visit also includes the church, the sacristy, the museum, the catacombs and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views.

Entrance ticket: approximately €5 per person.

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2. Clérigos Church and Tower

The Clérigos Church was designed by the famous Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and built between 1732 and 1750.

It is one of the finest examples of Portuguese Baroque architecture.

The Clérigos Tower is 76 metres (249 feet) high and has 240 steps. For more than 200 years, it was the tallest building in Portugal and became the symbol of Porto.

Before modern navigation systems, sailors used the tower as a landmark when approaching the city through the Douro River.

An interesting fact is that Nicolau Nasoni loved this church so much that he asked to be buried here. His tomb can still be found inside the church.

From the top of the tower, visitors enjoy one of the best panoramic views over Porto.

Entrance:

Church: Free

Tower and Museum: approximately €10

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3. Porto Cathedral (Sé)

The Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest monuments in the city. Construction began in the 1100s, and over the centuries the building was expanded, combining Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Unlike many cathedrals, this one was built almost like a fortress because Porto needed protection from attacks. You can still see the thick granite walls, towers and battlements.

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One of the most important moments in Portuguese history took place here.

In 1387, King João I married Philippa of Lancaster inside the cathedral. This marriage strengthened the alliance between Portugal and England, which is still the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world.

Inside the cathedral you will also find the magnificent Silver Altar, one of the finest examples of Portuguese silverwork.

The Gothic cloister is decorated with beautiful blue-and-white Portuguese tiles, showing scenes from the Bible.

From the cathedral terrace you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views over Porto's historic centre and the Douro River.

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4. Church of São Francisco

The Church of São Francisco was built between the 1200s and 1400s.

From the outside it looks like a simple Gothic church, but once you step inside everything changes.

The interior is one of the richest examples of Portuguese Baroque decoration.

It is estimated that more than 400 kilograms of gold were used in the magnificent gilded wood carvings. Because of this, many people consider it one of the most impressive church interiors in Europe.

There is even a local story that King José I once said there was enough gold inside the church to build a small palace.

One of its greatest treasures is the Tree of Jesse, one of the most important wooden sculptures in Europe. It tells the family tree of Jesus Christ.

Under the church are the old catacombs and an ossuary, where visitors can see ancient burial chambers once used by Franciscan monks and wealthy families.

This church is usually the biggest surprise for visitors because nobody expects such a spectacular interior.

Entrance: approximately €9–11, including the church, museum and catacombs.

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5. Monastery of Serra do Pilar

The Monastery of Serra do Pilar was built in the 1500s.

It is famous because both the church and the cloister are circular, something extremely rare in Portugal. The design was inspired by the Church of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Rome.

The monastery has always occupied a very strategic position overlooking Porto and the Douro River.

During the Liberal Wars (1832–1834), it became an important military fortress. From here, the Liberal army defended Porto during the famous Siege of Porto.

Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers what many people consider the most famous view of Porto.From the viewpoint you can admire the Luís I Bridge, the Ribeira district, the Douro River and the historic centre all at once.

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Interesting facts about Porto's churches

Porto is often called the "City of Churches."

The historic centre has more than 30 churches, many of them built between the 1600s and 1700s.

Much of the gold used to decorate these churches came from Brazil during the time when Brazil was a Portuguese colony.

The city is also famous for its beautiful azulejos (painted ceramic tiles), which decorate many churches and tell religious and historical stories.

These churches are not only places of worship—they are also some of the finest examples of Portuguese art, architecture and history, making Porto one of the best cities in Europe for lovers of religious heritage.