Porto Misericórdia Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > São Domingos > Centro Histórico

Location

Located on Rua das Flores, one of the busiest and most historic streets in Porto.

Origin

The church was built in 1559, initially in the Renaissance style. It suffered several damages over the centuries, such as the destruction of its facade by lightning in 1621.

Reconstruction

In the 18th century, the church was remodeled by the famous architect Nicolau Nasoni, who gave it its current Baroque style with touches of Rococo. This is the version we can admire today.

Facade

The church's facade is one of its great highlights, known for its scenographic effect and rich decoration. It has three arches on the lower floor and several luxurious decorations, including a large pediment and a stone cross on top.

Interior

The interior of the church consists of a single nave, with a vaulted ceiling covered with stucco and walls decorated with blue and white tiles. Some of these tiles are from the 19th century, replacing the original ones.

Chancel

The chancel has a Baroque vault and is decorated with columns and niches where images of the evangelists are located, dating from the 16th century. These images were painted later, in 1888, to imitate marble.

Decoration

Inside, highlights also include the gilded wood carving valance, the side altars with sculptures and valuable panels, and the choir designed by Nasoni.

Visits

Since 2015, the church has been part of the Museu da Misericórdia do Porto and is open to visitors. You can explore the choir, the central nave, and several side rooms, such as the sacristy.

Santa Casa da Misericórdia

The church is linked to the Brotherhood of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto, founded in 1498, and still maintains its connection with this charitable organization today.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_da_Misericórdia_do_Porto

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