Igreja do Carmo azulejos

The Igreja do Carmo is one of the finest and most recognisable churches in Porto. Designed by José de Figueiredo Seixas in the Baroque style, and much influenced by the master architect Nicolau Nasoni, the church was built in the 1760s. This is apparent on the main facade of the church, but it is the side wall which has made this one of the icons of Porto.

Surprisingly the blue and white azulejos were only added in 1912 - it must have been a quite austere looking wall until then. They are the work of artist Silvestro Silvestri and were made across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. The artwork on the tiles depicts the founding of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel.

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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…