Church of Saint John the New

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > São João Novo

Location

The Church of São João Novo is located in one of the most emblematic areas of Porto's historic city center, in the São João Novo area. Its elevated position on a platform offers a distinct perspective over the surrounding houses and allows glimpses of the Douro River, integrating itself into the urban landscape that earned the Historic Center of Porto its classification as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is a place that invites appreciation of the fusion between history and the city's panoramic view.

Memory and Transformation

The history of the Church of São João Novo dates back to the 16th century. It was erected on an old hermitage, becoming, at its origin, the main temple of a convent belonging to the Order of the Discalced Augustinian Hermits. The church's name evokes Saint John of Sahagun, a figure revered by the order. Over time, the architectural complex underwent significant alterations. After the extinction of religious orders in 1834, the old conventual space was adapted and, from the mid-19th century onwards, began to house the Criminal and Correctional Court of Porto, creating a remarkable coexistence between the religious function of the temple and the judicial administration within the same complex.

Artistic and Architectural Aspects

The Church of São João Novo exhibits an architecture that combines elements of Mannerist style with Baroque opulence. Its main facade, with an imposing structure divided into three levels, is marked by a central portal with a straight lintel, flanked by robust Doric columns. A distinctive element on the facade is the symbol of the Augustinian Order, a heart pierced by arrows, which invites close observation.

Inside, the church's Latin cross plan reveals a main nave that opens into intercommunicating side chapels. These chapels are notable for their granite coffered ceilings and tribunes adorned with gilt carved wood. The culmination of its artistic richness lies in the chancel, where a Joanine-style altarpiece, entirely in gilt carved wood, stands out. The central panel of this altarpiece, which depicts the Vision of Saint Augustine, is a work attributed to the painter João Glama. The presence of elaborate pulpits also in gilt carved wood and tile panels in the Chapel of Santa Rita de Cássia, authored by Bartolomeu Antunes, contributes to the space's atmosphere of great artistic value.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt