Right next to the church, there’s also a small museum where you can learn more about its history. If you love architecture, history, or just want to see something truly spectacular, the Church of São Francisco is definitely worth a visit.
PORTO Tiles: Best Places to Find Azulejos in Portugal
By TravelswithMR | April 7, 2025
Porto is one of Portugal’s major cities and the second-largest in the country, located on the Iberian Peninsula and is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Porto stands out for its stunning architecture, particularly the use of azulejo tiles. These geometric patterns and intricate designs are a defining feature of Portuguese cities, with Porto being one of the best examples of how this centuries-old tradition is woven into the city’s identity. Its blue tiles and white tiles cover buildings, churches, and public spaces, transforming Porto into an open-air art gallery.
Azulejo tiles are one of the most emblematic symbols of Porto’s history. These blue and white tiles do more than decorate—they tell the story of Portugal’s past, depicting everything from religious scenes to historic battles and everyday life. As you wander through Porto, you’ll see how these tiles add depth and character to the city, their blue and white colors beautifully contrasting with the warm tones of the buildings. Whether you’re visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site or strolling down a quiet alley, these tiles are a constant reminder of the city’s rich history and culture.
No other city showcases Portugal’s iconic azulejo tiles quite like Porto. From grand cathedrals to hidden corners, the city feels like an open-air museum, with stunning tilework at every turn. Admire the intricate murals on a church wall or stumble upon a hidden gem, Porto’s blue tiles and white tiles are a true testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.
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Table Of Contents
Unique Experiences in Porto:
- Azulejos Tiles Walking Guided Tour (Check availability here)
- Tile-Painting Workshop with Porto Wine (Check availability here)
- Secret Sites of Porto 3-Hour Walking Guided Tour (Check availability here)
- Six Bridges Cruise (Check availability here)
- Porto Highlights with Traditional Lunch (Check availability here)
- Guided Tour by Tuk-Tuk and Douro River Cruise (Check availability here)
- Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch (Check availability here)
WHERE TO STAY IN PORTO:
Where to fund the BEST azulejo tiles in Porto!
Azulejos colourful tiles are everywhere in Porto, but here are some top spots where you can see them:
1 - PORTO CATHEDRAL (SÉ CATEDRAL)
One of the most iconic landmarks in Porto, the Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral) is a must-visit so you can admire the stunning azulejo tiles. This historic cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is right in the heart of the city and has breathtaking views from the terrace.
The outside will definitely catch your eye, but the real gem is inside—the cloisters. Here, intricate hand-painted Portuguese tiles cover the walls, depicting biblical scenes in great detail. These tiles are a masterpiece of Portuguese craftsmanship, making the cathedral one of the best places to experience Porto’s rich tile tradition.
Walking through the cloisters, you’ll feel transported back in time as the centuries-old hand-painted tiles tell Portugal’s history through their artistry. The contrast of the blue tiles against the cathedral’s stone walls creates a mesmerizing effect, really showing the skill and dedication that has defined Portuguese architecture for generations.
If you’re a history lover, an art enthusiast, or simply exploring Porto, the Porto Cathedral’s azulejos are a sight you won’t want to miss.
2 - SÃO BENTO STATION
One of my favorite spots is the São Bento Railway Station or São Bento Train Station.
It’s one of Porto’s most beautiful and iconic landmarks, known for its stunning tile work that cover the station’s walls. It’s not only a functional transportation hub but also a living work of art.
The station is famous for its beautiful tiles that depict scenes from Portuguese history, including historic battles, important cultural moments, and everyday life. With over 20,000 carefully hand-painted tiles, these azulejos transform the station into a visual masterpiece, making it one of the best places to see azulejo tiles in Porto.
As you walk through the station, the blue and white tiles create a strong contrast against the building’s classical architecture, with a glimpse into Portugal’s rich past. If you’re catching a train or simply passing through, São Bento Railway Station is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience Porto’s unique blend of art, history, and culture.
The tiles here are more than just decoration—they’re a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic heritage that defines the city.
3 - IGREJA DO CARMO
Igreja do Carmo is one of Porto’s most beautiful churches, built in the 18th century between 1756 and 1768. This Baroque-style church is also known for its beautiful azulejo tiles that cover its façade.
The blue and white tiles beautifully depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, adding a special touch to the church’s impressive design. It’s definitely a spot to visit if you’re interested in Porto’s history and tile art.
Inside, the church is just as impressive with a detailed altar and intricate tilework. The tile-covered chapel definitely stands out, with patterns that create a peaceful and historic atmosphere.
Admiring the tiles from the outside or exploring the interior, Igreja do Carmo is a must-see in order to experience the beauty of Porto and its rich cultural heritage.
4 - CAPELA DAS ALMAS (CHAPEL OF SOULS)
Capela das Almas, or the Chapel of Souls, is one of Porto’s most striking landmarks, known for its vibrant blue and white azulejos that cover its entire façade. Located on Rua de Santa Catarina, one of the city’s busiest shopping streets, the chapel is impossible to miss.
Its stunning decorative tiles depict dramatic scenes from the lives of saints, creating a visual masterpiece. Built in the early 19th century, this chapel is an amazing example of Portuguese tile art and a must when you are exploring the city.
located near Bolhão Market and the iconic Majestic Café, the area has a lively mix of culture, history, and shopping. The chapel’s intricate exterior is a true work of art, while its interior provides a peaceful and calming escape, making it a perfect place for those wanting to immerse themselves in Porto’s spiritual and artistic heritage. With its stunning tilework and prime location in one of Porto’s most vibrant areas, Capela das Almas is an essential stop.
5 - IGREJA DE SANTO ILDEFONSO
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is one of Porto’s most iconic churches, known for its impressive azulejo tiles created by artist Jorge Colaço.
Built in the early 18th century, the church stands out with a stunning façade, entirely covered in blue and white tiles. Colaço’s work is celebrated for its detailed depictions of scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso.
With over 11,000 tiles decorating the exterior, this massive display of art shows the scale and skill involved in traditional Portuguese azulejo painting.
Artist Jorge Colaço is one of the most famous azulejo artists of the 20th century, he had an ability to capture dramatic and historical narratives on ceramic tiles. His scenes on the church’s façade vividly tell the story of Saint Ildefonso, blending artistry with religious and historical significance. The intricate detail and storytelling in the tiles add to Porto’s rich cultural heritage, making this church a must-see!
Located near Batalha Square, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is a perfect stop for anyone wanting to experience Porto’s blend of history, culture, and tile art. The striking exterior and detailed tilework, alongside the serene interior, provide visitors with a full experience of Porto’s artistic and spiritual history.
With its monumental display of azulejo art and central location, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is an essential highlight in Porto’s architectural and cultural landscape.
6 - IGREJA DOS CONGREGADOS
Igreja dos Congregados is another beautiful baroque-style church in Porto, that has gorgeous azulejo tiles decorating the exterior and interior.
Built in the early 18th century, this church stands out due to its impressive combination of architecture and tile art. On the exterior, you can see intricate blue and white tiles showing scenes from religious history. Inside, the church is just as impressive, with beautiful altars, intricate decorations and a striking wooden ceiling that adds to the church’s charm.
Igreja dos Congregados is located right near Avenida dos Aliados, one of Porto’s main avenues, so it’s a perfect spot to visit while you’re exploring Porto.
The beautiful azulejos here are a great example of the city’s iconic tile art, showcasing the blend of history, culture, and art that Porto is known for. It’s a peaceful and charming church, and it’s definitely worth stopping by if you want to experience more of the city’s rich artistic heritage.
7 - CASA DA MÚSICA
Casa da Música is one of the most striking architectural landmarks in Porto, and has a bold and modern design. Completed in 2001, this building was created by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and stands out with its unique contemporary style, which contrasts with the traditional architecture that defines much of the city. The sleek, futuristic shape of the building is matched by its stunning interior, this is so cool and unique to see, especially if you love architecture.
Inside Casa da Música, you’ll find a mix of modern elements with decorative touches, including beautiful decorative tiles that reflect Portugal’s traditional craftsmanship. The combination of cutting-edge design and classical influences makes this music hall a fascinating space to explore.
You can visit Casa da Música just as is, to see its amazing design or attend a concert for an unforgettable experience in one of Porto’s most unique and innovative buildings.
8 - BANCO DE MATERIAIS
Banco de Materiais is a hidden gem and a unique project dedicated to preserving the Porto’s historic azulejo tiles, which are facing threats from decay, development, and theft.
Located near Praça Carlos Alberto, the Banco de Materiais functions like a museum and has thousands of hand-painted tiles that once decorated buildings across Porto. But the real purpose of the “bank” is not just to display these tiles—it allows tiles to be deposited and withdrawn for use in restoration projects, helping to continue the history of tiles in the city.
The collection at the Banco de Materiais includes tens of thousands of azulejos, many of which are available to building owners free of charge. These tiles are offered to help restore and maintain the city’s iconic façades, ensuring that the historic charm of Porto is preserved for future generations. If a building owner needs a tile that matches their original design but isn’t in the bank’s collection, the team will help them find a suitable reproduction.
This project plays an essential role in maintaining Porto’s architectural and cultural heritage, giving owners access to original tiles or reproductions for their building restorations. It’s a valuable resource that blends conservation efforts with community engagement, helping to safeguard Porto’s history while supporting modern restoration work.
9 - CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS
While the Church of São Francisco in Porto isn’t known for its azulejo tiles like many other places in the city, it is still a must-visit for the breathtaking Baroque interior and gold-covered decorations. The contrast between its simple Gothic exterior and the luxurious details inside makes it one of Porto’s most stunning landmarks.
Built in the 15th century, the church originally followed a plain Gothic style, typical of the humble and charitable religious orders in Portugal. However, the inside was later transformed with beautifully wood carvings covered in gold, creating one of the most impressive church interiors in Portugal.
ARE PORTO’S AZULEJOS WORTH SEEING?
Porto’s azulejos are more than just beautiful decorations—they are a reflection of the city’s history, culture, and artistic heritage. These blue and white ceramic tiles tell stories of Portugal’s past, bringing life to churches, train stations, and even hidden alleyways. From religious scenes illustrating to historical moments and intricate geometric patterns, azulejos are one of the most beloved art forms in the country.
As you explore Porto, you’ll quickly realize that these tiles are everywhere, turning the city into an open-air gallery. From grand landmarks to tucked-away surprises, each tile-covered façade adds to the city’s charm and character. Their presence is a reminder of Portugal’s craftsmanship and tradition, making them an essential part of any visit.
If you’re looking for the best places to admire these stunning works of art, be sure to visit some of Porto’s top azulejo-covered spots. No matter where you go, taking in these intricate designs will give you a deeper appreciation for the city’s beauty and history.
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