MONUMENT CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS

This is a beautiful church that was established by the Franciscan Order in 1245 but was later reformed after a massive fire destroyed part of it. While it was originally built in the Romanesque style of architecture, it was later transformed into a stunning example of Gothic architecture in Porto, with some elements of the Baroque style infused in it.

This is a famous church in Portugal that was originally built by the Franciscans in the 13th century but was later reformed into a prominent Gothic style of architecture. It is said that more than 300 kilos of gold dust was used in order to decorate the interiors of this church. You can see three of its naves even today that are covered in gold carvings. According to history, the extravagance of the church was such a contrast with the poverty around, that it was closed down for several years.

Under the church lies the catacombs where many of the Franciscan monks are buried along with several members of Porto’s most influential families. There is also an ossuary in these catacombs that house thousands of human bones that can be witnessed from the other side of a glass door. Another important feature of the church is the ‘Tree of Jesse’ which is a wooden sculpture by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes. 

Highlights

• Admire the beautiful Gothic style of architecture of this church with some elements of the Baroque style as well after it underwent significant renovations
• Witness one of the most beautiful altarpieces of the church that is located in the North aisle 
• Marvel at the astonishing “Tree of Jesse” that is an elaborate wooden sculpture that is depicting the family tree of Jesus, and is believed to be quite unique
• You can visit the catacombs under the Igreja de São Francisco and also see the thousands of human bones in the ossuary through a glass floor