Hey there, fellow traveller! Ever wondered what makes Porto truly unique? Well, one of its best-kept secrets lies in the captivating stories etched on its walls – azulejo tiles. You know, those gorgeous hand-painted ceramic tiles have graced this city for ages.
So, if you’re curious about Porto’s rich history, the best places to see tiles and the artistry that adorns its streets, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re about to embark on a journey through time and culture as we explore the top 5 places in Porto to soak in the remarkable world of azulejos.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
But here’s the thing, I won’t just be your guide – I’ll be your travel buddy, sharing my personal experiences and tips. So, grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s uncover the hidden gems of Porto, one azulejo tile at a time.”
1. Porto’s Cathedral: Where History Meets Art
Even if you’re not particularly religious, the churches and cathedral in the charming city of Porto, Portugal, are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. And what makes them absolute must-sees, you ask? It’s the incredible blue tiles that adorn their facades, which are nothing short of magical.
The Sé do Porto, or Cathedral of Porto, stands tall as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and you’ll definitely want to check it out!
Nestled in the historic center, this architectural gem has stood the test of time for over 900 years. Yes, you read that right – it dates back to 1110! As you can imagine, it’s a testament to the city’s ever-evolving history, showcasing a fascinating blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque influences.
Now, when we moved from Canada to Portugal and first heard about the Sé Cathedral, we were told it had some breathtaking blue-and-white tile scenes and that we should check it out. So, with curiosity in our hearts, we went to uncover these hidden treasures.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing Gothic cloisters.
These cloisters hold a beautiful art, where blue-and-white tile scenes come to life. Painted by Valentim de Almeida between 1729 and 1731, these tiles narrate the life of the Virgin Mary and stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Ascend to the upstairs terrace, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by enormous tile panels crafted by António Vidal. These panels are a visual feast, adding another layer of artistry to this historic cathedral.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
So, there you have it, the Sé do Porto – a place where history, art, and culture beautifully collide.
The cathedral’s location in the heart of the historic center, near the Luis I bridge, at Terreiro da Se, Porto 4050-573, makes it a must-visit destination.
Location: Terreiro da Se, Porto 4050-573
Schedule:
- April – October: 9 am – 6:30 pm
- November – March: 9 am – 5:30 pm
- Christmas and Easter: closed
Price:
- Cathedral: €3
- Children (up to 10 years old): Free entrance.
2. Capela das Almas: A Masterpiece in Blue and White
Capela das Almas, or Chapel of Souls, is another must-see destination in Porto for anyone interested in azulejo tiles.
Imagine stepping into a world where over 15,000 blue and white ceramic tiles paint a picture of Saint Catherine Chapel’s exterior in Porto, Portugal. Eduardo Leite added these tiles in 1929, and they tell stories of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. It’s like a massive work of art that wraps around this neoclassical church, and it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
The Chapel of Souls is located right in the heart of the action in Porto, on the bustling Ruа dе Sаntа Саtаrinа. And let me tell you, it’s one of the most visited and Instagrammed spots in the area. You won’t resist capturing this work of art on your camera.
Here are some handy details to make your visit easier:
Address: Rua de Santa Catarina 428, 4050-317 Porto, Portugal
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m – 6:00 p.m
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 a.m – 12:30 p.m / 6:00 p.m – 7:30 p.m
Price: The best part? Entrance is absolutely free!
3. Igreja do Carmo: Where Baroque Beauty Meets Azulejo Art
Let’s continue our azulejo adventure in Porto because, trust me, the treasures just keep getting more incredible. Our next stop is the magnificent Igreja do Carmo, a place that’s not only one of the best spots to see these artistic tiles but also one of the most beautiful churches you’ll lay your eyes on in this charming town.
As you approach the church, you might think it’s just a simple gray facade. But wait until you turn the corner and behold the jaw-dropping beauty of its tiled side.
Those captivating azulejos, added in 1912, tell the story of the founding of the Carmelites religious order on Mount Carmel. It’s like a visual journey into the past. And you won’t believe it until you see it with your own eyes.
Igreja do Carmo is located at the corner of Praça de Carlos Alberto and Rua do Carmo, and trust me, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss. So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply someone who appreciates jaw-dropping beauty, this church deserves a spot on your Porto itinerary. Get ready to be dazzled!
Address: Rua do Carmo, 4050-164 Porto, Portugal
Schedule:
- Everyday: 9:30 a.m – 6:00 p.m
Admission: €3.50
Make sure to plan your visit during these hours to enjoy the full experience.
4. São Bento Station: A Journey Through Time
Our next stop is nothing short of a visual masterpiece – São Bento Station. You might wonder why a railway station is on our list, but trust me, this is a must-see place when in Porto.
Built in the early 20th century, São Bento Station may seem modest from the outside, but step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a world of tile artistry that will leave you utterly amazed. The station’s interior is a true azulejo wonderland, boasting over 20,000 tiles that narrate captivating historical events, rural scenes, and various modes of transportation.
São Bento Station is centrally located in Praça de Almeida Garrett, not far from the iconic Luis I Bridge and Se do Porto, making it a convenient addition to your Porto exploration.
Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
5. Igreja de Santo Ildefonso: A Neoclassical Masterpiece
We’ve reached the grand finale of our azulejo adventure in Porto, and it’s another masterpiece – Igreja de Santo Ildefonso. This 18th-century neoclassical church is a fantastic way to conclude our journey through the world of tiles azulejos in Porto.
When you arrive at Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, you’ll be greeted by a facade adorned with over 11,000 azulejos, and trust me, this is no ordinary decoration. Jorge Colaço, the artistic genius behind these tiles, meticulously crafted them in 1932, creating a stunning visual narrative. These azulejos depict the life of Santo Ildefonso and the allegories of the Eucharist, and they do it with such detail and precision that you can’t help but be amazed.
Now, let me make sure you have all the practical details to plan your visit.
You can find Igreja de Santo Ildefonso at Rua de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542, Porto.
Hours:
- Tuesday: 9 AM–12:30 PM, 3–6 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–12:30 PM, 3–6 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–12:30 PM, 3–6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–12:30 PM, 3–6 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM, 3–7:30 PM
- Sunday: 9–11 AM
- Monday: 3–5:15 PM
And here’s the admission is free for everyone.
And there you have it, my fellow travelers! – the our top 5 best places to find azulejos in Porto!
Are you planning a trip to Portugal anytime soon?! Don’t forget to check out all the gorgeous blue tiles in Porto – they’re absolutely spectacular.
Happy travels, everyone!
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