Igreja do Carmo — Attraction in Porto

In the pulsating heart of Porto lies a striking edifice, the Igreja do Carmo. This 18th-century marvel, once a sanctuary for monks, continues to be a beacon of spiritual tranquility amidst the city's lively rhythm. With its arresting Baroque exterior and resplendent Rococo interior, this church has become a famous emblem of Porto, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Standing as a testament to the artistic grandeur of the past, the Igreja do Carmo was brought to life in 1756. Its conception occurred when the Baroque style held sway over Portuguese architectural trends. Hence, its façade captures the essence of this movement, characterized by its theatrical embellishments and elaborate detail. Yet, upon entering this sacred edifice, one is instantly transported to a different world, a world resplendent with Rococo aesthetics. This style, originating from Italy and dominating the same period, celebrates the ornate and whimsical. It's a world of elegant curves, intricate patterns, and an exuberant celebration of natural motifs. The interior of the Igreja do Carmo is a visual symphony of elaborate frescoes and exquisite paintings, a testament to the artistic talents of the bygone era. Each artwork tells a story, silently whispering tales of faith, devotion, and divine epiphanies. The Igreja do Carmo's tiles stand out as its crowning glory among its countless architectural treasures. These azulejos, a hallmark of Portuguese art, form a vibrant tapestry on the church's walls. Each tile is a fragment of a larger narrative, collectively creating an intricate tableau that mesmerizes every onlooker. The Igreja do Carmo, with its blend of Baroque and Rococo styles, is more than a church—it is a window into the past, an artistic masterpiece, and a spiritual sanctuary. As you traverse the vibrant streets of Porto, let your steps lead you to this architectural gem. Embrace the quietude within its walls, marvel at its artistic grandeur, and let its historical tales whisper...

A Igreja dos Carmelitas ou Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços localiza-se na freguesia da Vitória, na cidade do Porto, em Portugal. Começou a ser construída em 1616 e ficou concluída em 1628. A decoração do interior só viria a ficar pronta em 1650. A igreja pertencia ao extinto convento, hoje ocupado pela Guarda Nacional Republicana. Foi classificada como Monumento Nacional a 3 de Maio de 2013, em conjunto com a Igreja do Carmo (adjacente). The Carmelite Church (Igreja dos Carmelitas) was built in the 17th century, and, as the name suggests, it was populated by the Carmelite order of nuns. It is a rather sober edifice, at least on the outside, featuring a plain facade and a bell tower. On the inside it is lushly decorated. The two churches (Carmo Church and the Carmelite Church) are separated by the world’s narrowest house, a house which amounts to no more than one meter in width. It used to be inhabited until the 1980s. The reason of placing a house between the two religious edifices was to make sure there was no communication of the worldly kind between the nuns of the Carmelite Church and the monks at the Carmo Church, as well as the fact a certain unwritten law stated that no two churches should share a...

Twice the fun, two churches in one separated by one of the world’s narrowest houses.

As you look at the facade, what actually looks like a single building is in fact two separate churches, the one on the right belonged to the Order of Carmelite Monks and the one on the left belonged to the Order of Carmelite Nuns. These are separated by a metre wide “Hidden House”

The motive behind the three storey house which separates the two is unclear. One theory is it was intended as a barrier between the two churches to prevent any fraternisation between the Monks and Nuns. Another is that there is a law that prevents two churches sharing a common wall.

In any event this house was in use by chaplains and members of the clergy until recent times and was also used for secret meetings during the Napoleonic War away from prying eyes. In fact in one of the rooms at the back of the church itself (The Dispatch Room) there is a sign on the wall which says “Passagem Occulta /Secret Passage” which I’m sure leads to the house.

There is plenty more to see here on your visit including catacombs where you can see bones and the remains of a mummified Nun. Also a collection of...