Igreja de São Francisco Porto
A 14th-century Franciscan church in Porto, Portugal, famed for its breathtaking baroque interiors lavishly adorned with gold leaf.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Igreja de São Francisco Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century Franciscan church in Porto, Portugal, famed for its breathtaking baroque interiors lavishly adorned with gold leaf.
"The Igreja de São Francisco Porto is a stunning church, truly one of a kind, with 300 kilos of gold inside."
🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site
Purchase tickets at the entrance; no online booking usually needed.
📸 No Photos Inside Church
Photography is forbidden in the church, but allowed in the museum and catacombs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baroque Altarpieces
Main Church
Marvel at the opulent baroque altarpieces, adorned with an estimated 300 kilograms of gold.

Franciscan Catacombs
Underground Museum
Explore the solemn catacombs, the final resting place for Franciscan friars.

Altarpiece of the Martyrs of Morocco
Main Church
Witness the detailed depiction of Christian martyrs, including Franciscan missionaries.
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Planning Your Visit
Tickets & Entry Essentials
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site
Purchase tickets at the entrance; no online booking usually needed.
📸 No Photos Inside Church
Photography is forbidden in the church, but allowed in the museum and catacombs.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the catacombs.
💰 Combo Ticket Value
The €10-12 ticket includes the church and museum; church-only tickets aren't sold.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site
Purchase tickets at the entrance; no online booking usually needed.
📸 No Photos Inside Church
Photography is forbidden in the church, but allowed in the museum and catacombs.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the catacombs.
💰 Combo Ticket Value
The €10-12 ticket includes the church and museum; church-only tickets aren't sold.
♿ Accessibility Note
The church is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs at the entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Igreja de São Francisco Porto's incredibly ornate baroque interiors, particularly the extensive gold leaf detailing and intricate woodwork. The accompanying museum and catacombs are also highlighted as significant and worthwhile additions to the visit. Some reviewers note that certain areas of the building could benefit from restoration, and the strict no-photography rule inside the church is a common point of mention.
"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."
Don Ham
"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!"
arjan virdi
"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."
Christie McCarthy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Igreja de São Francisco Porto is centrally located in Porto, Portugal. It's easily accessible by public transport, including trams and buses. Many visitors also choose to walk from other popular Porto attractions.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the church can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public transportation or a taxi/ride-sharing service.
From Porto Airport (OPO), you can take the Metro (Line E) to the city center and then transfer to a bus or tram, or take a taxi/ride-share directly to the church.
Yes, the Igreja de São Francisco is very close to the Ribeira district, making it a pleasant walk along the Douro River.
While official guided tours might not always be advertised, you can often find local guides in the area or opt for an audio guide with your ticket to learn more about the church's history and art.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets typically cost around €10-12 and include entry to both the church and the adjacent museum, which houses the catacombs. Church-only tickets are not sold.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the entrance to the museum. There's generally no need for advance online booking, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
The church and museum are generally open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, but it's always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit.
In most cases, you can buy tickets upon arrival. However, if you're visiting during a very busy period, checking for any potential online options or arriving early might be wise.
No, the catacombs are included with your general admission ticket, which also grants access to the museum and the church.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main church area to preserve the artwork and atmosphere.
You are permitted to take photos within the museum and the catacombs. This allows you to capture the historical artifacts and the underground burial chambers.
While generally allowed, be mindful of any specific signage within the museum that might indicate areas where photography is restricted, especially near delicate exhibits.
Focus on the intricate details of the baroque altarpieces (from outside the church), the historical artifacts in the museum, and the atmospheric catacombs.
A smartphone with a good camera is usually sufficient for capturing the permitted areas. If you're a photography enthusiast, a dedicated camera might be preferred for better low-light performance in the catacombs.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The church boasts stunning baroque interiors, including altarpieces covered in gold leaf, intricate carvings, and beautiful tile work. The adjacent museum features historical artifacts and the solemn catacombs.
A visit typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing time to explore the church, museum, and catacombs at a comfortable pace.
Unfortunately, the church is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs at the entrance. The museum and catacombs may also present accessibility challenges.
The catacombs served as the burial site for Franciscan friars and notable individuals associated with the order, offering a glimpse into historical burial practices.
Yes, for an additional small fee (around 1 Euro), you can purchase an information booklet to enhance your understanding of the church and museum exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants within the church or museum complex itself. However, the surrounding area is filled with numerous dining options.
The Ribeira district, just a short walk away, offers a wide array of restaurants and cafes with views of the Douro River, serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Yes, you'll find many bakeries and small cafes in the vicinity offering pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, perfect for a quick refuel.
Absolutely! Look for dishes like Bacalhau (codfish), Francesinha (a hearty sandwich), and fresh seafood.
Dining prices can vary. While restaurants in prime Ribeira locations might be pricier, you can find more affordable options by exploring streets slightly away from the main tourist drag.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the stories behind the altarpieces and the historical context of the catacombs. Bringing an information booklet can help make the visit more interactive. Be mindful of the accessibility issues; the church is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. If you have very young children, a shorter visit focusing on the most visually striking elements might be best.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting during off-peak hours when crowds are thinner, potentially allowing for a more relaxed experience without feeling rushed. Since photography is prohibited inside the church, you won't feel pressured to buy expensive photo packages. The surrounding area offers a variety of affordable dining options, from local bakeries to casual eateries, allowing you to enjoy Porto's culinary scene without breaking the bank.
🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts
Delve into the narratives behind the altarpieces, particularly the Altarpiece of the Martyrs of Morocco, which tells a compelling story of faith and sacrifice. The catacombs provide a unique opportunity to connect with the site's historical past on a more personal level, offering insights into burial customs and the lives of the Franciscan order. The information booklet is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical and artistic context of each element.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Golden Splendor: Baroque Artistry
Among the most striking features are the baroque altarpieces, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The Altarpiece of the Martyrs of Morocco, for instance, vividly depicts the martyrdom of Franciscan missionaries, showcasing dramatic scenes and detailed figures. Another notable piece is the Altarpiece of Our Lady of Solitude, which evokes a sense of solemnity and devotion. The artistry extends to the ceiling, where decorative elements and windows add to the overall grandeur.
While the church itself is a feast for the eyes, it's important to remember the no photography rule inside. This policy, while perhaps frustrating for some, helps preserve the sacred atmosphere and protect the delicate gilded surfaces. Visitors are encouraged to absorb the beauty through their own eyes and appreciate the historical and artistic significance of this golden sanctuary.
Beneath the Surface: The Catacombs
The catacombs are accessible through the adjacent museum, and visiting them is an integral part of the ticketed experience. Here, you'll find numerous tombs and burial niches, each telling a silent story of lives lived centuries ago. The atmosphere is hushed and reverent, inviting contemplation on mortality and the enduring legacy of faith.
While the catacombs are a powerful historical site, it's worth noting that they are not accessible for individuals with mobility issues due to the stairs involved. However, for those who can access them, the catacombs provide a unique and memorable dimension to the visit, complementing the visual richness of the church above.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Practicalities
Many travelers report that purchasing tickets upon arrival is straightforward, with minimal queues, especially if visiting in the late afternoon or during less busy months like early November. However, during peak tourist seasons, there might be a wait. While online booking isn't usually a necessity, it's always prudent to check for any updates or special circumstances before your trip.
Practical considerations include photography restrictions inside the church – no cameras or phones allowed. However, you can freely take photos in the museum and catacombs. Also, be aware that the church is not wheelchair accessible due to the presence of stairs. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, particularly in the catacombs.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit