It’s nearly impossible to think of Porto without picturing the beautiful blue and white ceramic tiles adorning buildings around the city. Known as azulejos, the decorative tiles are found throughout Portugal and Spain. One of the best places to see the incredible displays of azulejos is Porto’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Azulejos were first introduced to Portugal in the 13th century when the Moors invaded the Iberian Peninsula. However, it wasn’t until several centuries later that Portugal developed its own unique style of azulejos, featuring geometric and floral designs, and scenes from historical events. The word “azulejo” is derived from the Arabic term “azzelij,” which means “small polished stone.” Many of Porto’s important historic buildings were renovated in the 20th century with new azulejos. From the São Bento Station to Igreja do Carmo, here are the best places to see azulejos in Porto Portugal!
Planning a trip to Porto? Make sure the read the complete Porto Portugal Travel Guide.
São Bento Railway Station
The São Bento Railway Station, located in Porto’s historic center, is renowned as the world’s most beautiful station thanks to the more than twenty thousand azulejos that cover its interior walls. Designed and hand-painted by Jorge Colaço in the early 1900s, the tiles illustrate moments from Portugal’s history—the arrival of Portuguese King João I’s to Porto, the 12thcentury Battle of Valdevez, and the 1415 Conquest of Ceuta. Built on the former site of the Benedictine Convent in Porto’s historic center, the São Bento Station welcomes visitors free of charge.
Porto Cathedral (Se Cathedral)
Built at the highest point in the city, the Porto Cathedral is one of Porto’s oldest and most significant monuments. The gothic cloister is accented with beautiful blue and white azulejos and the terrace above features two giant azulejo murals. Construction on the cathedral began in the 12th century and the church was renovated and rebuilt several times during the centuries that followed. The Porto Cathedral azulejos were an 18th century addition and are some of the oldest in the city. While entrance to the cathedral is free, it costs €3 to enter to the cloister and chapter room.
Igreja do Carmo
The beautiful tiles on the 18th century baroque church form one Porto’s most recognizable azulejo murals. The rich blue and white façade on the side of the building is a stark contrast to the neutral colors of the front. Igreja do Carmo is situated alongside a twin church, Igreja de Carmelitas. Igreja do Carmo was built for monks and Igreja de Carmelitas was built for nuns. The colorful tiles on the exterior of the Igreja do Carmo are easy to see for anyone exploring the city.
Capela das Almas
Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) is another excellent spot to admire the beauty of azulejos. The chapel’s exterior is covered in more than fifteen thousand vibrant blue and white tiles on multiple sides. Located along a famous pedestrian street Rua de Santa Catarina, the church was built in the 18th century and the tiles were added in the 20th century. Capela das Almas is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Francis of Assisi, and its colorful exterior depicts scenes from their lives. The chapel is free to enter. You can easily admire the azulejos while exploring Rua de Santa Catarina and the nearby Mercado do Bolhão.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
The azulejos on Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, located near Batalha Square, are another product of Portuguese artist Jorge Colaço. Approximately eleven thousand tiles cover the church’s facade depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso. Although the church was completed in 1739, the azulejos were added later in 1932. Located in Porto’s historic center, the azulejos of Igreja de Santo Ildefonso are easily seen while walking around the city.
Igreja dos Congregados
Next to Sao Bento Station, Igreja dos Congregados features subtle azulejos panels on the building’s front façade. What makes the tiles here unique is the contrasting yellow framing of the front windows. While the azulejos here is not as commanding as other locations, the colors are still worth admiring while exploring Porto.
Casa da Música
For a more modern rendition of the classic azulejos, check out Casa da Música, a concert hall in Porto and home of the National Orchestra of Porto. Completed in 2005 and designed by a Dutch architect, the unique concrete building is shaped as an asymmetrical polyhedron. The VIP Hall on the 4th floor features a beautiful display of azulejos. The room features tiles from both Portuguese and Dutch Painters. To view the azulejos in Casa da Música, book a guided tour.
Map of Best Places to See Azulejos in Porto Portugal
Azulejos Locations are Shown in Blue
