Tiles are part of Portugal's identity, and Porto is one of the best places in the country to see them.
From railway stations to churches and cloisters, azulejos tell stories about religion, daily life, battles and important moments in Portuguese history.
If you enjoy architecture and photography, these are five places worth adding to your Porto itinerary.
São Bento Station
One of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe.
The main hall is covered with around 20,000 tiles, created by artist Jorge Colaço between 1905 and 1916. The panels depict battles, royal ceremonies, rural life and important moments from Portuguese history.
Capela das Almas
Located on Rua de Santa Catarina, one of Porto's busiest shopping streets.
Its façade is covered with more than 15,000 blue and white tiles illustrating episodes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine.
Igreja do Carmo
One of Porto's most photographed buildings.
The side façade features a large tile panel installed in 1912, depicting scenes related to the Carmelite Order.
Don't forget to look between Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas, where you'll find one of Porto's most famous hidden houses.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
Standing near Praça da Batalha, this church is covered with around 11,000 tiles added in 1932.
The panels portray scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and passages from the Gospels.
Sé do Porto (Cathedral Cloisters)
Many visitors admire the cathedral but skip the cloisters.
Inside, you'll find beautiful 18th-century azulejo panels showing biblical scenes and religious allegories. It is one of the most peaceful places to appreciate Portuguese tilework in Porto.
Portugal's tiles are much more than decoration.
They tell stories, preserve history and help make Portuguese cities unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Planning a trip to Porto?
I created a Porto Digital Travel Guide with local tips, food recommendations, viewpoints, day trips, practical advice and Google Maps lists, helping you spend less time researching and more time exploring.
Get it here:
www.portugaldigitalguides.com
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