The church of the Franciscan Order from 1245 impresses especially with its interior. More than 300 kg of real gold was used to decorate the three main naves. The statues and richly decorated columns are only a complement to the interior's uniqueness.
The exterior, although originally Gothic (especially the rosette window in the front), has been mostly rebuilt in Baroque style.
Underneath the church, you can then visit the catacombs, where important monks and members of Porto's wealthiest families from the 13th-15th centuries are buried. Through the glass floor you will then see dozens of human bones and skulls.
The gilded wood interior
The interior of the church catches the eye at first sight. The columns, the ceiling and the altar are decorated with massive gilded wood carved by many Portuguese carvers. These decorations are the most remarkable feature of the Franciscan church and definitely make the interior worth a visit.
The chapel of St John the Baptist with its ribbed vault in the typical Portuguese Manueline style is also worth a visit.
Catacombs
In the bowels of the church you will visit the 18th century catacomb cemetery with a beautiful baroque altar decorated with side tombstones. There is also the aforementioned small ossuary with skulls and bones.
The catacombs are the burial place of important members of the Franciscan Order.
Admission and opening hours
Open every day from 9:00 am, the closing time varies according to the season from 7:00 pm in winter to 8:00 pm in summer.
Tickets for adults cost 8 eur, while for European students with an ISIC card 6,50 eur.
Official website (in Portuguese only): ordemsaofranciscoporto.pt/museu
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