Porto's Azulejo Highlights★★
Nothing defines Porto visually as much as the Azulejos — the hand-painted ceramic tiles adorning churches, train stations, houses, and even entire streets in vibrant blue and white. In no other city in the world are azulejos so ubiquitous and artistic as in Porto. A walk among the azulejos is like strolling through an open-air museum.
The undisputed highlight is the São Bento Station — the entrance hall is covered with over 20,000 azulejos by artist Jorge Colaço (1905–1916). The monumental scenes depict Portugal's history: the Battle of Valdevez, the capture of Ceuta, the arrival of King João I in Porto. It is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world — and entry is free, as it is a functioning station.
The Igreja do Carmo (1768) has one of the largest azulejo facades in Portugal — the entire side wall is covered with a huge blue and white scene depicting the founding of the Carmelite Order. Right next to it stands the Igreja dos Carmelitas — between the two churches lies Porto's narrowest house (only 1 meter wide!), built to separate the two buildings.
The Capela das Almas on Rua de Santa Catarina is another eye-catcher: The entire exterior facade is covered with 15,947 azulejos depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. And the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso near Praça da Batalha shines with 11,000 azulejos by Jorge Colaço.
For a deeper understanding, a visit to the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis (€5), Portugal's oldest art museum, or an azulejo workshop (from €45 for 2 hours), where you can paint tiles yourself — a wonderful souvenir.
💡 Tipp
The Capela das Almas on the shopping street Rua de Santa Catarina is overlooked by many tourists, even though it is right on the main shopping street. Early in the morning (before 9 am) you can photograph the facade without people. For the best azulejo photos: São Bento Station on a cloudy day — then there are no reflections on the tiles.