Built between 1389 and 1423, this old church has been standing for centuries and is one of the city’s most important historic sites.
The church was built by master mason João Afonso, who had already constructed several other churches in northern Portugal at the time. Its main facade features two large rose windows decorated with intricate stone carvings that are typical for Gothic style buildings. The interior of Carmo Church is just as impressive; its walls are covered with frescoes depicting scenes from Bible stories, such as Adam and Eve or Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion.
In addition to being an architectural masterpiece, Carmo Church also holds great historical significance for Porto residents. During World War II it served as a refuge for many people fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe, and even today it remains a symbol of hope and resilience against adversity.
The church has recently undergone extensive renovation works to restore it to its former glory; visitors can now explore every corner of the building thanks to newly-installed lighting systems which allow them to admire all its details up close. Additionally, there are guided tours available that provide insight into the history behind each element inside Carmo Church – something not to be missed if you’re visiting Porto.
