Aisle in Igreja de São Francisco - Porto

A view down one of the aisles of the Igreja de São Francisco in Porto. During the early 18th century the Gothic church was extensively decorated with exuberant gilt wood work (talha dourada) by some of Portugal's most notable wood carvers. This is particularly apparent in the aisles and on the ceiling.

It is said that up to 500 kg of Brazilian gold were used in coating this elaborately carved wood. 

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Porto travel guide »

Porto is considered the capital of the north and as the second largest city in Portugal, rightfully so. There are really very few similarities between Porto and Lisbon – they are both near the coast, on the banks of large rivers and have some fairly daunting hills, but that’s really where it ends. The two cities have a totally different feel and different charms.Porto’s most striking…