Location: Porto
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What to do and see in Porto, Northern Portugal: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.
Restaurants in Porto
1. Church of Santa Clara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By culturedportugal
The interior decoration of this church is incredible - gold, gold and more gold. An architectural beauty.
2. Igreja de Sao Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,460 reviews
Reviewed By JanesLondon - Surbiton, United Kingdom
This chuch has stunning golden Baroque interior and a wonderful carved altarpiece: the Tree of Jesse. There is also a small museum attached. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
3. Igreja do Carmo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,033 reviews
The catholic Church of Our Lady of Carmo, national heritage, is of the baroque-rococo style, belonging to carmelite laymen: the third religious order of Our Lady of Carmo (or Carmel, in english, after Our Lady of Carmel, the patroness of the Order). The Third Religious Order of Our lady of Carmo in Oporto was founded in 1736 and opened for worship on July 24 ,1768. Masses everyday by 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and Sunday another mass by 12:30. Rosary: 2:30 p.m. everyday. One may visit the Touristic circuit by a small fee that helps to rebuild and restore its heritage: by 3,5 euros one may visit the Hidden House (narrowest house of Oporto), church, catacombs, sacristy and three other rooms with ancient paintings and vestments, available everytime there isn't an event. To visit only the hidden house, there's a ticket which costs 2 euros. Whenever wishing just to only see the church (with no entry fee), we ask you to be a bit earlier than the time of mass, so not to interrupt the masses.
Reviewed By JenSingap0re - Singapore, null
Blue tiled external walls and narrowest house in Porto. Just a short walk from the famed Livraria Lello bookshop where Rowling was rumoured to write the 1st 2 Harry Potter books. A must visit and for fellow Catholics, the beautiful church is of the Third Order of the Carmelites as well.
4. Torre dos Clerigos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,585 reviews
Clérigos Tower is the foremost undisputed landmark of Porto and a reference in the city's history. Clérigos Tower opened its doors in 1763, becoming the highest bell tower of Portugal, with over 75 metres. In 1753 the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni was invited to design and build this magnificent Heritage, considered National Monument since 1910. The famous church was built in the eighteenth century, between 1732 and 1749 and this was the most emblematic work of the architect Nicolau Nasoni. Is one of the most beautiful temples of baroque feature, and a reference in the history of Porto. The Exhibitions allow to discover the history of the Brotherhood of Clérigos, admire pieces from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century, in painting, furniture, jewellery and vestment collections. Christus collection, on the 3 floor, is a trip through time and space where art and religion complement each other.
Reviewed By NickofSurrey - Surrey, United Kingdom
We debated whether to bother but on this our last morning decided at go as we were passing. 5 euros for admission to the church, exhibition areas and the tower. Church is very nice and ornate. Tower is not for the infirm. Step and very narrow steps reward you with some of the best views of the city (though fhe Dom Luis 1 bridge is hidden from view). We went in at 09 50 and had only been at the top for 5 minutes when a lot of people arrived. I guess they believed it opened at 1000 by the suddenly influx. It was then difficult to get past each other. Opens at 0900.
5. Igreja dos Clerigos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,062 reviews
Reviewed By fansdelcaribe - Paco de Arcos, Portugal
The small yet beautiful Igreja dos Clérigos is a baroque church built for the Casa da Irmandade (House of the Brotherhood) by Nicolau Nasoni, architect and painter, who is buried in the church. It's a famous tall bell tower. The Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city and is one of Portos most characteristic symbols. While entry the church is free, there is an admission fee for climb the top of the tower
6. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lapa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By dutchcramblitt - Palisades, United States
The church is beautiful its the cemetery that is fascinating. Elaborate tombs and crypts make for hours of wide eyed wandering.
7. Igreja dos Carmelitas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 617 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
Located in downtown Porto, the Carmo and Carmelitas churches look like one big church. In fact, they are two churches separated by one of the world’s narrowest houses. If you look closely, you’ll find Carmo Church ,on the right, and Carmelitas Church ,on the left. Beautiful church like many others in the beautiful city of Porto. Construction began in 1616 and was completed in 1628. This church attracts attention with its baroque interior. The interior decoration was completed only in 1650. The admission to the church is free.
8. Igreja Paroquial do Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Bonfim Church was built between 1874 and 1894. It has a neoclassical style and is one of the most beautiful and majestic churches of the city of Porto.
9. Santo Antonio das Antas Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Saint Anthony of Antas Church is located in the extreme north of the parish of Bonfim, next to the elegant neighbourhood of Antas. The church is dated from the first half of the twentieth century and its plan was drawn by the architect Jose Ferreira Peneda. The church has a classical style and evokes the Italian influence.
