Historic churches in Portugal

Historic Churches & Monasteries

Portugal’s religious heritage is defined by diverse architectural styles, from the unique Manueline Gothic of Lisbon's Jerónimos Monastery to the intricate Baroque gold-leaf carvings in Porto's Church of São Francisco. This collection features landmark cathedrals in Évora and Aveiro, alongside churches famous for their blue-and-white azulejo facades, such as the Chapel of Souls and Saint Ildefonso. Highlights include the National Pantheon’s grand dome and the somber Chapel of Bones in Évora, showcasing centuries of spiritual and artistic history.

Alvesgaspar / CC BY-SA 3.0

Jerónimos Monastery

A 16th-century late Gothic monastery renowned for its Manueline architecture and historical significance, including royal and explorer burial sites.

Eurico Zimbres / CC BY-SA 3.0

National Pantheon

Historic baroque church and national mausoleum housing tombs of important Portuguese figures. Noted for its architectural beauty and central dome.

Daniel VILLAFRUELA / CC BY-SA 3.0

São Roque Church

Historic baroque church and museum featuring religious art and significant cultural heritage. Known for its Jesuit origins and notable architecture by Filippo Terzi.

Ruialbuquerque / CC BY-SA 3.0

Chapel of Souls

Historic baroque chapel known for its extensive blue-and-white tile exterior depicting religious scenes.

Yellow.Cat / CC BY 2.0

Church of São Francisco

Historic Gothic and Baroque church known for its ornate gold-leaf wood carvings and rich architectural details. It also functions as a museum with religious artifacts and a collection of presepi.

Georges Jansoone / CC BY 2.5

Igreja de São Francisco

The Church of St. Francis is located in Évora, Portugal. It is best known for its lugubrious Chapel of the Bones.

Thomas Hönicke / CC-BY-SA

Church of Saint Ildefonso

18th-century Roman Catholic church known for its Baroque architecture and blue and white azulejo tile facade.

Alegna13 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Church of Santa Clara

The facade of this 16th century church might not impress you, but do not let the unassuming exterior discourage you from entering!

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Sao Domingos Church

Sao Domingos is a 12th-century church which used to host royal weddings and that features a Baroque facade.

Stegop / CC BY-SA 3.0

Cathedral of Évora

The Cathedral of Évora is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Évora, Portugal.

Daniel Villafruela / CC BY-SA 3.0

Saint Anthony's Church (Congregados)

This church with its eye-catching façade decorated with blue tiles is the dominant of Praça de Almeida Garrett.

António Amen / CC BY-SA 3.0

Cathedral of Aveiro

The Cathedral of Aveiro, also known as the Church of St. Dominic, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Aveiro, Portugal.

Joao Pires / CC BY-SA 3.0

Trinity Church

Located behind Porto's City Hall, this 19th-century church is a gem of Neoclassical style.

Kris / CC-BY-SA

Igreja do Carmo

This 18th-century Baroque church in Faro features a gilded interior and twin bell towers. It is most notable for its Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), a small ossuary lined with the skulls and bones of more than 1,000 Carmelite monks.

CC BY-SA 4.0

Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz

Situated on a hilltop in Vila Franca do Campo, this 18th-century chapel is famous for its elaborate zigzag staircase decorated with blue-and-white tiles. The stairs represent the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries, leading to a site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.