Church of Saint Francis

The Igreja de São Francisco is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning churches you can visit in Porto! Stepping inside is like walking into a treasure chest, the sheer volume of gilded woodwork (talha dourada) is just overwhelming. Every surface, from the pillars to the altarpieces, is covered in carvings dipped in gold leaf, creating a truly jaw-dropping Baroque masterpiece. While it is strictly forbidden to take photos inside the church itself, a rule I respected, the memory of that glittering, maximalist splendor is permanently etched into my mind. The experience is perfectly complemented by the Museum and Catacombs. It was a pleasure to be able to take photos in the museum, which houses a fascinating collection of religious art and artifacts, giving important context to the church's history and significance. However, the Catacombs beneath the church were just as much a marvel. They offer a powerful, atmospheric journey into the past. The feeling of walking through the tunnels and past the tombs is incredibly moving! Don't skip this part of the visit!

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.

Exploring this church is really fascinating !, the church is amazing ! You’ll really say wow when you see inside!, very interesting to explore the catacombs in the basement level there’s a small window in the floor (which is tucked away and worth looking for) inside the floor window you can see all the bones buried beneath !

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.

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.

One of the most stunning cathedrals I’ve seen in Porto — absolutely worth a visit. Photos and videos aren’t allowed inside, but simply sitting inside and taking in the beauty from every angle is an amazing experience.

Absolutely stunning… ineffable astonishment as soon as I entered the cathedral, and I just gazed at the gilded altarpieces in awe. This is certainly the greatest embodiment of Portuguese baroque

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.