Where can you see the most famous tiles in Porto's downtown?
There are many magnificent tiles or azulejos, in Porto, particularly downtown Porto, but there are a few that stand out not only for its beauty, but for their history.
Some of the most emblematic places to appreciate azulejos in Porto are:
1. São Bento Railway Station: Renowned for its impressive azulejo panels that depict historical scenes.
2. Souls Chapel (Capela das Almas): Adorned with blue and white azulejos depicting religious motifs.
3. Carmo Church and Carmelitas Church (Igreja do Carmo e Igreja dos Carmelitas): These adjacent churches feature striking azulejo facades.
4. Public Municipal Library (Biblioteca Pública Municipal): Houses an important collection of panels produced between the 17th and 18th centuries that adorned the Convent of São Bento de Ave Maria and the Monastery of São Bento da Vitória.
5. Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto): Features azulejos from 1729-1731.
6. Santo Ildefonso Church has around 11,000 tiles on the front and sides of the bell towers. These tiles were designed by Jorge Colaço, who also created the tiles for São Bento Station, and depict scenes from the life of St Ildefonso and the Gospel.