Are you planning to visit Porto soon? There is a religious monument that you cannot miss! Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina, also known as Capela de Santa Catarina, portrays unique moments in the tiles (called azulejos) that cover its walls. This historical building can be visited in Santo Ildefonso’s parish, in city center, most specifically between Rua de Santa Catarina and Rua Fernandes Tomás.
Capela das Almas was built in the beginning of the 18th century. Because of its simplistic lines, the monument doesn’t reveal, at first sight, all the wonders that holds within its walls. However, because of its ancient history, it still draws the attention of tourists that pass by it.
Did you know that…
Capela das Almas is covered in 15.947 azulejo tiles, that cover 360 square meters of the building’s walls. Eduardo Leite is the author of all these ceramic pieces that put the chapel at the top of the list of monuments to visit in Porto.
The beauty of the Portuguese tile
In the year that followed the construction, the building suffered some expansion works that changed its original style. In the 20th century, most precisely in 1929, the chapel was covered on the outside.
The tiles on the facade portray the life of two saints adored at Capela das Almas: Santa Catarina and São Francisco de Assis. However, on the inside, it’s possible to find several dedications to other very important saints in Catholicism.
The main altar and the side altars pay homage to Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Sagrado Coração de Jesus, Nossa Senhora das Dores, Nossa Senhora da Conceição and São João. They fit with the neoclassical style, giving a more special touch to the monument.
Visit Porto with soul and faith
Visiting Porto can be a very rich experience for those who appreciate religious buildings, specially thanks to the Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina. Right as you enter the monument, you can tell that it was planned to the last detail so that the visitors can enjoy all its richness.
In the main facade of Capela das Almas there is a stained glass window that represents the souls. On the inside is possible to verify that all the images of the saints are modern, contrasting with the image of Nossa Senhora das Almas, dating from the 18th century.
Capela das Almas deserves to be appreciated by catholics and by people that don’t believe in the religion. Its history and culture, but also all its architecture and beauty, make it a must-see for those who visit Porto.
How to get to Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina?
Address: Rua de Santa Catarina, 428 4000-068 Porto
GPS Coordenates: 41.149862, -8.605639
Nearby: Bolhão Metro Station, Mercado do Bolhão
Where to sleep nearby?
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