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Church of Saint Francis

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Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)

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The Church of Saint Francis in Porto is a prime example of late Baroque architecture in Portugal. Originally built in the 14th century, it underwent extensive renovation in the 18th century, resulting in its lavish interior adorned with gilded woodwork (talha dourada). The church's crypt contains tombs of nobles and clergy. Its façade is relatively plain, contrasting with the ornate interior. The church is part of Porto's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It served as the church of the Franciscan monastery. Today, it is a major tourist attraction and venue for classical concerts. The layout is a single nave with side chapels, covered by a ceiling painted with scenes from the life of Saint Francis. The church houses a significant collection of religious art and sculptures. The adjacent cloister is also preserved. The church is a symbol of Porto's rich cultural heritage and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

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Rain mm13897112916032132249137137122

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Church of Saint Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) in Porto is an active church, and its opulent gilt Baroque interior is open to visitors. Entry is usually via a museum or a separate entrance.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open daily from late morning until late afternoon, with a short lunch break. Check the official website or ticket desk for exact times.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed for a small fee; a photo ticket is often available at the entrance. Flash is generally prohibited for conservation reasons.
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Time needed
Allow about 30-45 minutes to see the church and its attached museum. If you want to study the detailed woodcarvings, plan extra time.
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Combine with
The church is in Porto's historic centre, near the cathedral and Ribeira district. Combine your visit with the Palácio da Bolsa or a Douro river cruise.
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Getting there
On foot, the church is about five minutes from the cathedral or the Ribeira district. Alternatively, trams 22 and 1 stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Look out for the woodcarvings in the choir - they depict scenes from the life of Saint Francis. An audio guide at the museum deepens your understanding of the Baroque symbolism.

Geography

Coordinates
41.14150, -8.61540

Facts

  • The church was founded in the 13th century, between 1244 and 1250.
  • The gilded woodwork (talha dourada) uses approximately 300 kg of gold leaf.
  • The nave is 30 meters long, 15 meters wide, and 18 meters high.
  • The bell tower is 50 meters tall, added in the 18th century.
  • The crypt contains over 100 tombs from the 17th to 19th centuries.
  • The church welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Church of São FranciscoChurch of São Francisco<1 km · EExplore →
Vila Nova de GaiaVila Nova de Gaia2 km · SExplore →
PortoPorto2 km · NWExplore →
Freixo PalaceFreixo Palace3 km · EExplore →
Valadares CastleValadares Castle3 km · SExplore →
Porto City ParkPorto City Park5 km · NWExplore →
GondomarGondomar7 km · EExplore →
GulpilharesGulpilhares8 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Church of Saint Francis (10)

Palácio da Bolsa🏛 museum

A building in Porto, Portugal, built as a stock exchange, now a museum.

🕒 Nov-Mar: Mo-Su 09:00-12:30,14:00-17:30; Apr-Oct: Mo-Su 09:00♿💶

Jardim da Praça do Infante Dom Henrique🌳 park

A square in Porto, Portugal, laid out as a park.

Church of São Francisco⛪ church

A church in Porto, Portugal, known for its Baroque interior.

💶

Hard Club

A cultural heritage monument in Porto, Portugal, now a venue.

Capela de São Nicolau

A station of the Stations of the Cross in Porto, Portugal.

Igreja dos Terceiros Franciscanos

A church building in Porto, Portugal, in the Porto District.

Museu de São Francisco do Porto🏛 museum

A museum in Porto dedicated to the history of the church.

Bolsa dos Comerciantes do Porto🏛 museum

A building in Porto, Portugal, the former merchants' exchange.

Igreja de São Nicolau

A church in Porto, Portugal.

Capela de São Salvador

A chapel in Porto, Portugal.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is this church in Porto so famous?
It is famous for its opulent Baroque interior, decorated with over 300 kg of gold leaf (Talha Dourada).
Is photography allowed inside?
No, photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the church to protect the artworks.
Can I visit the catacombs?
Yes, the entry ticket includes access to the church, the museum, and the underground catacombs.
How much is the admission fee?
Standard admission costs about 8-9 euros. Discounts are available for students and Porto Card holders.
When is the best time to visit?
Right at opening at 09:00 to avoid the larger tourist groups in the afternoon.
Church of Saint Francis: where is it located?
Church of Saint Francis is located in Portugal.
Church of Saint Francis: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palácio da Bolsa, Jardim da Praça do Infante Dom Henrique, Church of São Francisco.
Church of Saint Francis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Church of Saint Francis: why is it worth visiting?
The Church of Saint Francis in Porto is a prime example of late Baroque architecture in Portugal.
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Nearby cities

Vila Nova de Gaia — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Vila Nova de Gaia
This city is located opposite Porto on the southern bank of the Douro.
Figueira da Foz — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
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This coastal city is located at the mouth of the Mondego River.
Ponte de Lima — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
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Ponte de Lima is considered the oldest town in Portugal.
Ermesinde — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
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Ermesinde is a city in the Porto Metropolitan Area.
Espinho — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Espinho
Espinho is a popular seaside resort south of Porto.
Póvoa de Varzim — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Póvoa de Varzim
This coastal city in northern Portugal is a popular holiday destination with a strong fishing tradition and a major casino.
Matosinhos — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a port city located just north of Porto.
Gondomar — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Gondomar
Gondomar is situated on the Douro River near Porto.
Vila do Conde — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Vila do Conde
This historic city is located at the mouth of the Ave River.
Arcos de Valdevez — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
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This town on the Vez River is a gateway to the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
São João da Madeira — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
São João da Madeira
São João da Madeira is a city south of Porto.
Valongo — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Valongo
Valongo is a city in the Porto Metropolitan Area.
Trofa — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Trofa
Trofa is a young city located north of Porto.
Barcelos — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Barcelos
This northern Portuguese city is world-famous for its ceramic tradition.
Ovar — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Ovar
Ovar is a coastal city in the Aveiro District.

History & landmarks

Conímbriga — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Conímbriga
One of the largest and best-preserved Roman settlements in Portugal, famous for its intricate mosaics.
Lamego — Church of Saint Francis (Portugal)
Lamego
A historic baroque city in the Douro Valley, famous for its monumental staircase leading to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies.