The Church of Saint Francis (Portuguese: Igreja de São Francisco) is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto, Portugal, being also noted for its outstanding Baroque inner decoration. It is located in the historic centre of the city, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Franciscan Order was established in Porto around 1223. Initially, the order was antagonised by the secular and clergy of other religious institutions, particularly by the bishop of Porto. It took a papal bull, the Bulla Doelentis accepimus by Pope Innocent V, to restore to the Franciscans the plot of land previously donated to them. They began building the convent and a first, small church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi around 1244.
Not worth the 6 Euros. Just a lot of wood sculptures by local"artists". Easily skipable.
Brian ThomeFeb 24, 2018
Beautiful church. Lots of bones to check out! Interesting place to check out when its raining outside.
Sumanth DhananjayaJan 4, 2018
Beautiful historical church at the city of Porto. It is a well decorated one, with interesting architecture and sculptures.
Pierros ZevolisFeb 11, 2018
you have to buy a 5 euro ticket to get inside and you can see the church, catacumbs and musem. the church interior is really breath taking, fielled with dozens of wooden gold plated sculptures. i liked it a lot since i've found it different than other baroque churches but if you're not a huge church art fan, you may skip it and spend those money in other way.
Sylwia F.Dec 25, 2017
well decorated church with lots of gilt carved wood sculptures, plus a small museum(limited collection) and tomb cave. in other free admission churchs in Porto and Lisbon, one can also note gilt carved wood stuff, although less under one roof. not really fabulous.
YJ SunAug 10, 2017
Costs 6€ to enter ,I assume it goes towards the maintenance of the church but noone mentioned it. A bit expensive for a church.
Ovi OviMar 27, 2018
Beautiful church, but I really don't think it's worth the price (6€ per person) given the short time we were there. I'd recommend only if you really like churches, or people who have so much gold they don't know where else to put it. Okay place to check out if it's really rainy outside.
Steve PApr 8, 2018
One of the most interesting churches I have ever visited. The atmosphere is so lovely and the combination of architecture and warm colours give you a feeling of calm and tranquility. The entrance is free and you can spend some minutes in it to relax. Located in the city centre and you can walk from Sao Bento.
Soheil JafariMay 2, 2018
One of its kind Church has entry fee but it is worth of it. Inside are oakwood and golden carvings. These are really superb
Varsha GawaiApr 9, 2018
Amazing architecture - never seen such detailed work in a church - breathtaking. When you stand there it's almost too much for your eyes to take in. It's a shame they don't allow the odd picture - no cameras, not even without flash :( Would have been nice to take a selfie in this amazing church. An amazing example of Baroque architecture.
Andries EhlersMay 17, 2018
Visiting this place of minor importance you need also to pay for a visit of an ininteresting museum of religion and its catacombs. A waste if money and time.
Michiel WeijsJun 4, 2018
The Igreja de Sao Francisco- Church of Saint Francis boast a fabulous Baroque features. It was founded by the Franciscan friars as part of their convent, one of the oldest in Portugal. The stunning interior of this Gothic church is covered in ornate gold details. The interior is decorated with intricate carved panels, all covered with a layer of gold leaf. It's a breathtaking work of arts that took several decades to complete. Today the church houses a museum and still contains its prized features, including its sculpture of Jesus family tree. Definitely worth the entrance fee. The exuberance of its decor is so great that it has been impressing visitors for centuries.
Russ LacuataJun 2, 2018
The San Francisco church origins date back to 1795. The inside is very ornate with many intricate wooden, golden carvings in the knaves and side altars. The entry to the church is included in the ticket to the Despatch House Museum.
Vincent OliverJun 3, 2018
The church and the museum are quite beautiful. In particular the statues in the church have real hair. The catacombs are a little disappointing I have to say, specially considering the 7euro price ticket. Not much to see and few work in progress at the time we visited. The bones and skull are unfortunately only visible through a small glass frame through the floor, which was the main reason I visited.
Francesca PinnaJun 24, 2018
By far the prettiest church I visited in Porto, or even ever in my life. The interior is stunning, words can not describe how pretty and impressive this is. Unfortonatly, no pictures. (not allowed)
B PAug 8, 2018
Very impressive wood carved interior - the price was steep (€7) but includes a visit to the crypt next door.
Phil SylvesterAug 12, 2018
Not worth the 6 Euros. Just a lot of wood sculptures by local"artists". Easily skipable.
Brian ThomeFeb 24, 2018
Beautiful church. Lots of bones to check out! Interesting place to check out when its raining outside.
Sumanth DhananjayaJan 4, 2018
Beautiful historical church at the city of Porto. It is a well decorated one, with interesting architecture and sculptures.
Pierros ZevolisFeb 11, 2018
you have to buy a 5 euro ticket to get inside and you can see the church, catacumbs and musem. the church interior is really breath taking, fielled with dozens of wooden gold plated sculptures. i liked it a lot since i've found it different than other baroque churches but if you're not a huge church art fan, you may skip it and spend those money in other way.
Sylwia F.Dec 25, 2017
well decorated church with lots of gilt carved wood sculptures, plus a small museum(limited collection) and tomb cave. in other free admission churchs in Porto and Lisbon, one can also note gilt carved wood stuff, although less under one roof. not really fabulous.
YJ SunAug 10, 2017
Costs 6€ to enter ,I assume it goes towards the maintenance of the church but noone mentioned it. A bit expensive for a church.
Ovi OviMar 27, 2018
Beautiful church, but I really don't think it's worth the price (6€ per person) given the short time we were there. I'd recommend only if you really like churches, or people who have so much gold they don't know where else to put it. Okay place to check out if it's really rainy outside.
Steve PApr 8, 2018
One of the most interesting churches I have ever visited. The atmosphere is so lovely and the combination of architecture and warm colours give you a feeling of calm and tranquility. The entrance is free and you can spend some minutes in it to relax. Located in the city centre and you can walk from Sao Bento.
Soheil JafariMay 2, 2018
One of its kind Church has entry fee but it is worth of it. Inside are oakwood and golden carvings. These are really superb
Varsha GawaiApr 9, 2018
Amazing architecture - never seen such detailed work in a church - breathtaking. When you stand there it's almost too much for your eyes to take in. It's a shame they don't allow the odd picture - no cameras, not even without flash :( Would have been nice to take a selfie in this amazing church. An amazing example of Baroque architecture.
Andries EhlersMay 17, 2018
Visiting this place of minor importance you need also to pay for a visit of an ininteresting museum of religion and its catacombs. A waste if money and time.
Michiel WeijsJun 4, 2018
The Igreja de Sao Francisco- Church of Saint Francis boast a fabulous Baroque features. It was founded by the Franciscan friars as part of their convent, one of the oldest in Portugal. The stunning interior of this Gothic church is covered in ornate gold details. The interior is decorated with intricate carved panels, all covered with a layer of gold leaf. It's a breathtaking work of arts that took several decades to complete. Today the church houses a museum and still contains its prized features, including its sculpture of Jesus family tree. Definitely worth the entrance fee. The exuberance of its decor is so great that it has been impressing visitors for centuries.
Russ LacuataJun 2, 2018
The San Francisco church origins date back to 1795. The inside is very ornate with many intricate wooden, golden carvings in the knaves and side altars. The entry to the church is included in the ticket to the Despatch House Museum.
Vincent OliverJun 3, 2018
The church and the museum are quite beautiful. In particular the statues in the church have real hair. The catacombs are a little disappointing I have to say, specially considering the 7euro price ticket. Not much to see and few work in progress at the time we visited. The bones and skull are unfortunately only visible through a small glass frame through the floor, which was the main reason I visited.
Francesca PinnaJun 24, 2018
By far the prettiest church I visited in Porto, or even ever in my life. The interior is stunning, words can not describe how pretty and impressive this is. Unfortonatly, no pictures. (not allowed)
B PAug 8, 2018
Very impressive wood carved interior - the price was steep (€7) but includes a visit to the crypt next door.
Phil SylvesterAug 12, 2018
Not worth the 6 Euros. Just a lot of wood sculptures by local"artists". Easily skipable.
Brian ThomeFeb 24, 2018
Beautiful church. Lots of bones to check out! Interesting place to check out when its raining outside.
Sumanth DhananjayaJan 4, 2018
Beautiful historical church at the city of Porto. It is a well decorated one, with interesting architecture and sculptures.
Pierros ZevolisFeb 11, 2018
you have to buy a 5 euro ticket to get inside and you can see the church, catacumbs and musem. the church interior is really breath taking, fielled with dozens of wooden gold plated sculptures. i liked it a lot since i've found it different than other baroque churches but if you're not a huge church art fan, you may skip it and spend those money in other way.
Sylwia F.Dec 25, 2017
well decorated church with lots of gilt carved wood sculptures, plus a small museum(limited collection) and tomb cave. in other free admission churchs in Porto and Lisbon, one can also note gilt carved wood stuff, although less under one roof. not really fabulous.
YJ SunAug 10, 2017
Costs 6€ to enter ,I assume it goes towards the maintenance of the church but noone mentioned it. A bit expensive for a church.
Ovi OviMar 27, 2018
Beautiful church, but I really don't think it's worth the price (6€ per person) given the short time we were there. I'd recommend only if you really like churches, or people who have so much gold they don't know where else to put it. Okay place to check out if it's really rainy outside.
Steve PApr 8, 2018
One of the most interesting churches I have ever visited. The atmosphere is so lovely and the combination of architecture and warm colours give you a feeling of calm and tranquility. The entrance is free and you can spend some minutes in it to relax. Located in the city centre and you can walk from Sao Bento.
Soheil JafariMay 2, 2018
One of its kind Church has entry fee but it is worth of it. Inside are oakwood and golden carvings. These are really superb
Varsha GawaiApr 9, 2018
Amazing architecture - never seen such detailed work in a church - breathtaking. When you stand there it's almost too much for your eyes to take in. It's a shame they don't allow the odd picture - no cameras, not even without flash :( Would have been nice to take a selfie in this amazing church. An amazing example of Baroque architecture.
Andries EhlersMay 17, 2018
Visiting this place of minor importance you need also to pay for a visit of an ininteresting museum of religion and its catacombs. A waste if money and time.
Michiel WeijsJun 4, 2018
The Igreja de Sao Francisco- Church of Saint Francis boast a fabulous Baroque features. It was founded by the Franciscan friars as part of their convent, one of the oldest in Portugal. The stunning interior of this Gothic church is covered in ornate gold details. The interior is decorated with intricate carved panels, all covered with a layer of gold leaf. It's a breathtaking work of arts that took several decades to complete. Today the church houses a museum and still contains its prized features, including its sculpture of Jesus family tree. Definitely worth the entrance fee. The exuberance of its decor is so great that it has been impressing visitors for centuries.
Russ LacuataJun 2, 2018
The San Francisco church origins date back to 1795. The inside is very ornate with many intricate wooden, golden carvings in the knaves and side altars. The entry to the church is included in the ticket to the Despatch House Museum.
Vincent OliverJun 3, 2018
The church and the museum are quite beautiful. In particular the statues in the church have real hair. The catacombs are a little disappointing I have to say, specially considering the 7euro price ticket. Not much to see and few work in progress at the time we visited. The bones and skull are unfortunately only visible through a small glass frame through the floor, which was the main reason I visited.
Francesca PinnaJun 24, 2018
By far the prettiest church I visited in Porto, or even ever in my life. The interior is stunning, words can not describe how pretty and impressive this is. Unfortonatly, no pictures. (not allowed)
B PAug 8, 2018
Very impressive wood carved interior - the price was steep (€7) but includes a visit to the crypt next door.
Phil SylvesterAug 12, 2018
Monday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
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