Detailed Guide to Porto Attractions | Capela das Almas
This place is almost a must-visit spot when coming to Porto. It is located in the old town, next to a commercial pedestrian street, with convenient transportation and high photo opportunities.
Address: Rua de Santa Catarina 428, Porto
Originally built as a chapel in the 18th century, the tile exterior was designed by artist Eduardo Leite in 1929.
The exterior features a total of 15,947 hand-painted blue and white azulejos, covering about 360 square meters.
The appearance is neoclassical style, with a small bell tower and tile-decorated exterior walls. Although the interior is not large, it has an elegant altar and religious paintings.
The story themes of the exterior patterns are divided into two main parts, each telling the life of an important saint:
① The story of Saint Francis of Assisi (São Francisco de Assis) — large wall on the left side
Saint Francis is a very important saint in Catholicism, known for poverty, humility, and love for animals.
The blue tile paintings depict key moments of his life, including:
Life transformation
Young Francis, once wealthy, gave up his family fortune and chose the religious path.
Receiving the Stigmata
He received the same "stigmata" (wounds on hands, feet, and ribs) as Jesus during prayer, an important symbol of holiness and devotion in Catholicism.
Preaching and compassion
He preached to the people, helped the poor, and sympathized with animals, symbolizing "peace, gentleness, and humility."
Praise of nature (Canticle of the Sun)
Some tiles depict his poem praising all of nature, considered one of the earliest works of ecological literature in the world.
→ The core spirit of the entire wall: poverty, charity, peace, and a beautiful relationship with nature.
② The story of Saint Catherine (Santa Catarina) — near the entrance on the front
The other side of the tiles tells the life story of Saint Catherine (Santa Catarina de Siena / or Santa Catarina de Alexandria), with Porto’s version often considered to be "Saint Catherine of Alexandria."
Main scenes include:
Saint Catherine’s learning and wisdom (Wisdom & Study)
She symbolizes female knowledge and wisdom, often depicted holding a book or convincing philosophers through debate.
Faith trial (Martyrdom / Trial)
She was forced to face trial for her firm faith, symbolizing courage and steadfast belief.
The breaking wheel (The Breaking Wheel)
The most famous scene: she was sentenced to the "spiked breaking wheel," but it is said angels caused the device to break, thus becoming a miracle.
(Note: The street name Santa Catarina next to the church is related to her.)
→ The core spirit of the entire wall: wisdom, courage, and the power of faith.
The walls of Capela das Almas are like a "biographical scroll" of the two saints, telling stories of faith, courage, and compassion through blue and white tiles.