Trinity Square

Category: Civil Architecture > Square

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Baixa do Porto

Location

Trindade Square is located in the center of Porto city, in the bustling Baixa. It is situated at the top of Avenida dos Aliados, flanked by the monumental Trindade Church and the rear of Porto City Hall building. This position gives it a unique character, an urban space that invites a pause in the journey through the heart of the city.

A Fountain with History

In the center of Trindade Square, a notable fountain captures attention. This element was not originally here, but rather in Largo de São Domingos, where it was built in the mid-16th century. Its parts were transferred to Trindade Square and reassembled there in 1853, bringing with them a piece of Porto's urban history. At certain times of the year, it can be seen surrounded by a circle of flowers, adding a touch of color to the space.

The Church and Its Order

The square is inseparable from the Trindade Church, which gives it its name and marks one of its boundaries. This church, an imposing presence in Porto's urban landscape, was designed by the architect Carlos Amarante and its construction took place throughout the 19th century, having been opened for worship in 1841. The Trindade Church is linked to the historic Third Order of the Most Holy Trinity, an institution dating back to the 18th century that played a significant role in the city's evolution, contributing to its modernization and the definition of new centralities.

A Peculiar Urban Character

Trindade Square possesses a singular urban character. Although it is located in the heart of the city and very close to busy points, such as Avenida dos Aliados, the square sometimes seems to maintain a more reserved atmosphere. Formerly known as Largo do Laranjal, its configuration and function in the city changed significantly with the construction of Avenida dos Aliados and the surrounding buildings. It became a place of passage, a point between two imposing spaces, inviting close observation to unveil its essence.

Historical Curiosities

The Trindade Church, which flanks the square, is the stage for a curious 20th-century story. It is said that, in 1935, a woman from Argoncilhe, named Guilhermina Pereira Pedrosa, had a vision of the Most Holy Trinity and angels singing inside the temple. Although the Church did not officially recognize this occurrence, the story persists in popular memory, adding a touch of mystery and singularity to this place in the center of Porto. It is a detail that invites one to look at the square and its surroundings from a different perspective.

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