Portugal Guide: The Church of São Francisco Porto

The Church of São Francisco Porto

Address | Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto, Portugal

While in Porto, we decided to do a full walk through of The Church of São Francisco. This 14th century church was built in an impressive Gothic style with Baroque main works on the interior that were added in the 18th century. We were curious to visit because the interior appears to be covered in gold, a visual effect produced by the ornate gilt-edged woodcarvings.

In addition to touring the main chapel and museum we ventured down to the lower levels to walk the catacombs. Unlike the famed catacombs of Paris where the bones are neatly organized and exposed, we walked through a series of wall and floor plates between creaking boards with tombs for members of the Franciscan order. At one point there is a glass panel on the floor and when you look below you will see a heap of human bones exposed laying bare the contrast between the gold and opulence of the church to the stark and austere end that awaits.

Located in the historic centre of Porto which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, The Church of São Francisco is a site worth visiting.