Church of Saint Francis

The Igreja de São Francisco is one of the most beautiful churches in Porto. The Gothic outside looks plain, but the inside is stunning, full of gold details and amazing sacred decorations. The museum and catacombs are also worth a visit. A must-see spot when exploring the city!

One of Porto’s most impressive churches, famous for its richly decorated Baroque interior. The golden carvings covering almost every surface are absolutely stunning. From the outside it looks quite simple, but the inside is breathtaking. The adjacent museum and catacombs are also worth a visit.

I personally was very impressed by this church. I have seen many churches in my life, but I consider The church of São Francisco or The Gold Church a bit unusual. The church itself is a masterpiece. I strongly recommend visiting this church. I found the tickets a bit pricey, but in the end, I wasn't disappointed.

The Church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) is Porto's most prominent Gothic monument, but it is also known for its exceptional Baroque interior. The Franciscan Order arrived in Porto around 1223, and after initial resistance, they began construction of the convent and a first, small church dedicated (naturally) to St. Francis of Assisi around 1244. The current church was built between 1383 and 1425, a relatively simple design for mendicant orders that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries, making the São Francisco the finest example of Gothic architecture in Porto. In the 15th and 16th centuries, prominent Porto families chose the Franciscans for their pantheon. The most significant interior modifications took place in the first half of the 18th century, when almost all surfaces were covered with Baroque "Talha Dourada" (Portuguese gilded woodwork). Particularly striking are the numerous Baroque altarpieces in the apse chapels and the nave, which are among the finest in Portugal. The west portal also receives Baroque modifications: the elaborately dressed statue of Saint Francis rests on four Solomon's pillars. And although photography is not permitted inside the church, the São Francisco is an absolute highlight of ecclesiastical architecture that shouldn't be missed!

This is a beautiful church! So ornate. Definitely worth checking out. You must purchase a ticket to enter the museum which includes a walk through the catacomb.

A truly stunning Church. €12 gets you entry to the museum and Church. Well worth a visit.

A medieval church dating from the 13th century. Some restorative work is needed as parts of the church building appeated worn and has seen better days. We did see some restorative work being done in the museum. No photography is allowed in the church. The 11 Euro ticket covers entry to the church and the museum next door. The catacombs are located in the museum. An extra 1 Euro gives you an information booklet. July 2025.

Amazing church to see, but really interesting to also see the catacombs, and the tombs area in the underground area. Worth a visit for sure!

Also known as the " Gold Church " this church is absolutely stunning and imposing with its richness of the guilted wood carving that supports 200 kilograms of gold on the main altar and another 200kg for the rest of the church. It is of Gothic style and became the refuge for the order of Saint Francis of Assisi. It is also a world UNESCO site so definitely a must see. You can also find the Retable of the Tree of Jesse where the upper portion contains an allegory of the church flanked by the Faith and Wisdom. Christ's genealogy is represented in this tree whose roots unfold from Jesse's body. This theme is an interpretation of the Old Testament. You can also visit the catacombe where some real skulls and bones can be seen. The second floor shows some rich rooms that belongs to some noble and supporters of the church.

All we wanted to do is go in for 5 minutes and say a prayer in the church, but they said 10 euros each. Very disappointing.

My wife and I were here on a Gate1 tour. The Church of Sao Francisco, (St. Francis Church), most prominent Gothic monument in Porto, with Baroque inner decoration. We weren't supposed to take photos inside, ahem! Highlight of the interior decorations was the Family tree showing Jesus' relation to Jesse, father of (King) David. Very beautiful with its ornate wood carvings Don't forget the museum next door.

This Gothic church began construction in the 1300s with an obviously rich history! A huge banner hangs outside showing a gleaming, shiny, golden cathedral to beckon visitors. However, once you've paid for admission, you enter to find it isn't nearly as shiny as the poster would have you believe. Even worse, they fail to tell you while buying tickets that scaffolding covers the entire front of the interior, so you won't be getting any good pictures there. That being said, the interior of the cathedral is so impressive that I still gave it four stars despite the scam. Just don't expect anything nearly as spectacular as the banner!

It is great detail on this church. One of most decorative that I have seen. When I see on the sanctuary. I am admiring the carving, the painting, details, representing of the 3D story telling. This is one of thing in the church that take away my breath and said wow. This is a UNESCO heritage site. The church started at 12th century and have addition to 15th century. This church is to remember the saint of San Francis of Assisi of Italy. The saint can talk to animal. It is a fantastic church not only for the beauty but for the deep meaning behind it. The tomb below the church is huge. It has famous and important people. The artwork and metal art work can be found. The visit may need 1 hour. The meeting room is beautiful also. The outside is looking like gothic with step lead to the entrance. It allow view to the river with spectacular view.

No one builds like Catholics. This massive structure was built in the mid 18th century. Nasoni designed both the building and some of the carving used to decorate the inside. Well worth the few Euros for the self-directed tour, you can walk around and take as many pictures (no flash!) as you like. I did leap out of my comfort zone and go downstairs to the Crypt of the brothers. I stayed for all of about two minutes before I had to bail. If that sort of thing is interesting for you, then you'll enjoy this. I got creeped out. Upstairs where there's windows and daylight, it's a beautiful structure and a clear demonstration of the power and magnificence of the Church. An enjoyable time for believers and non-believers. [Review 9915 overall, 1493 of 2018.]

The Igreja de São Francisco is a touristy and historic church right by the river. Out of the many churches to visit in Porto, this one was less remarkable -- but maybe I just had church fatigue. Stop by if you're really interested, but if you don't want the €5ish entrance fees to keep adding up, this one is skippable.

If you've spent any time in Europe, you may already be burnt out on castles and churches. But if you're not, I recommend taking a gander at the Igreja de Sao Francisco. You'll most likely spend less than an hour here (even if you're like my Mom and have to read every tiny sign or plaque). Some highlights: 1) Gold on gold on gold on gold (dust) covering the intricate woodwork 2) The catacombs: It was a bit eerie, but a neat (yet somber) experience

I'm not a big pilgrim: I don't take pilgrimages and to be honest, just visiting 2 churches in one week was a lot for me. That being said, the 2 churches (Clerigos and São Francisco) I visited were both totally worth it, even for a secular non-conformist. My Portuguese friend insisted on taking me to São Francisco on the last day of my visit. The sense of history is palpable, especially when in the basement where centuries of the devote are buried right under your feet. The moment I realized we were in a crypt I was hit by The Fear: this was probably most evident in my eyes. The goldwork inside the church itself inspired a different emotion: I was in awe of the intricacy and imagination in the ornamenture. The living history on hand in Porto's churches cultivated within me a greater respect for the traditions of the Catholic Church in Portugal.

This was a great experience especially if it is raining out. I really enjoyed it however the setup of the museum is a little confusing. Overall though it is a great experience and has some beautiful architecture.