Visitors of Portuguese culture and tradition take great delight in visiting churches. These incredible places of worship feature stunning gold-gilded walls and intricately-carved chapels that will leave an indelible mark upon your soul.
Portuguese mythology was distinct among Roman provinces in that it included deities and beliefs from pre-Roman populations as well as influences and blends from Christianity.
Silves Cathedral
Silves’ impressive medieval city is an impressive sight from every perspective: whether entering via its town gate, wandering its maze of cobbled streets, or arriving at its cathedral. Moorish castle with red sandstone walls stands in stark contrast with whitewashed gothic cathedral alongside it – truly impressive!
The church was originally constructed on the site of a mosque during the 13th century; since then it has undergone many reconstruction and modification efforts. Now known as a large Latin cross church with Gothic architectural influences reminiscent of Portuguese gothic style architecture, its impressive ribbed ceiling stands out as one of Algarve’s prime examples of Gothic architecture. Additionally there’s also an elaborate Manueline (Portuguese gothic) portal facing towards its cathedral counterpart for added drama.
Inside the cathedral you’ll discover numerous chapels and an 18th-century organ, as well as a triptych depicting scenes from Christ’s Life and Passion as well as a statue of St Blaise. Additionally, The Bones Chapel serves as a place to commemorate those lost due to plague outbreaks.
For those interested in exploring more of Silves’ history and cathedral, head to the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia. Its collection covers an expansive time and geographic span from Paleolithic times up to modern day; including some fascinating archaeological finds like a 12th-century cistern well and menhir dating back to neolithic period. Housed within Praca do Municipio square which also hosts other historic structures like a pillory and Old Town Gate as well as hosting town information center and Islamic Heritage Interpretation Center daily for free admission!
Sao Lourenco de Almancil Church
Igreja de San Lorenzo or Church of Sao Lourenco on the Algarve is an incredible hidden treasure, located in Almancil civil parish and offering one of the finest displays of Portuguese azulejos ever seen – wall to ceiling tiles depict scenes from Saint Lawrence’s life, created by master craftsman Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes who also did tile work at Misericordia Church Vila do Castelo and Chapel Nossa Senhora da Cabeca Chapel Evora.
Church was constructed during the early 18th century as a single nave building with a dome, featuring exquisitely decorated walls and ceilings with azulejos from Portugal; with eight panels depicting different stages in Saint Anthony’s life depicted through eight panels arranged on either wall or ceiling of this Baroque structure crafted by Manuel Martinez a talented local sculptor. Additionally, there is a stunning golden Baroque altarpiece dedicated to Saint Anthony crafted by Manuel Martinez himself!
Visits to churches can be rewarding experiences, particularly if you appreciate art and architecture. Furthermore, visiting one can allow visitors to reflect upon Saint Lawrence’s life; who was martyred by Roman authorities for his faith.
Due to the town’s wide array of luxury resorts and hotels near the Church of Sao Lourenco, many visitors opt to stay here. Furthermore, Almancil serves as a popular stop on guided tours through East Algarve; visitors from Faro can reach it within 15 minutes while those staying at Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo may also make day trips from their resorts to visit Almancil on day trips.
Viana do Castelo Cathedral
Viana do Castelo offers something for everyone in its vibrant city center; from stunning churches and monuments to vibrant traditions celebrated during local festivals. A major landmark is Se Catedral de Santa Luzia – an opulent Romanesque structure dating back to 15th century which was officially designated a cathedral by Pope Paul VI and features sculptures depicting Peter, Paul, John Bartholomew Andrew. Inside, painted tiles illustrate various spiritual acts of mercy like consoling sadness or teaching the ignorant while tiles on the right represent physical charity like clothing the poor or feeding the hungry.
Attractions to see include Igreja da Misericordia, which was designed as a private chapel for the Brotherhood of Mercy. Today it serves as one of the city’s top attractions with its Renaissance and Mannerist influences visible everywhere, gilded wooden carvings on its altar and glazed tile coverings on walls showing Portuguese opulence; ceiling frescos by Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes complete this impressive structure.
Church is home to Nossa Senhora da Agonia, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. Locals venerate her annually on August 20th; during a special ceremony dedicated to her she will bless the sea!
Hospital Velho, once used as a pilgrim hostel on the Portuguese Way, now functions as both a tourist information office and museum. Notable features of this old building include its bridge, engine room, bakery, treatment rooms and cabins – as well as housing the Gil Eannes ship that now resides permanently moored off Viana do Castelo’s Port.
Igreja da Misericordia
Igreja da Misericordia stands out in an otherwise inconspicuous back street east of Praca do Comercio as it features only its decorative main entrance to set it apart from nearby buildings. But this church dates back to 1774 and represents fine Portuguese baroque architecture. This gilded retable dates from 1722 and exemplifies church decor at that time; churches often decorated themselves in gold to signify wealth and abundance. Christ performed 14 acts of spiritual and corporal mercy: feeding the hungry, providing drink to thirsty individuals, clothing the naked, sheltering homeless people from cold temperatures, visiting prison inmates or ransom captives if available, burying dead, teaching those ignorant about His works of mercy (like feeding and clothing homeless people), counseling doubtful ones, teaching naive children how to read, instructing ignorant ones ( like Ignorance is bliss!), bearing with those who wrong us patiently while forgiving offenses forgive offenses comfort comforting the afflicted ones while praying for all men departed as well.
The exterior of this church may appear simple, but inside is a grand spectacle with Manueline and Baroque elements blending beautifully together. Designed by Northern Portugal’s favorite baroque architect Nicolau Nasoni from Italy – who also designed Clerigos tower and church along with Mateus Palace where its signature liqueur is produced – its grandeur truly cannot be understated.
At one point in the 18th century, pilgrims visited this shrine in hopes of witnessing a miracle. Today it serves as a small museum open weekdays from 9am to 1pm; visitors are likely to spot storks here! Also nearby is a small square with 16th century pillory which makes an excellent backdrop for wedding photos; other interesting sights in the vicinity include 18th-century esplanades from Faro’s former Jewish quarter and several interesting churches from different centuries.
Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra Church is one of Portugal’s best-known religious structures, famed for its hexagonal floor plan and must-see attractions like its unique chapel of Saint Martinho dating from 14th-century Gothic architecture and numerous 17th-century azulejos. Obidos is recognized by UNESCO World Heritage as an area worthy of visitation – which makes this must-see a must.
Make sure to leave some time for exploring the square in front of the church when visiting Viseu, including a stroll around its lovely square in front of Eleanor of Viseu’s coat-of-arms adorned pillory dating from 1400. It stands as both an impressive testament to autonomy as well as an effective means for punishing criminals; its crest also bears her coat-of-arms which adds another unique feature.
Attractions to look out for include a 16th-century fountain fed by the town aqueduct as well as monuments commemorating St. John the Baptist’s death and Mary as well as statues depicting them both, all worth seeing in the square.
Church hours for visitors range from 9am-5pm with an admission fee of EUR3. Its location makes it accessible to other attractions nearby, including Castelo dos Olivaros (a castle constructed between 13th and 14th centuries), as well as several palaces. Casa da Msica restaurant near the Santuario do Senhor Jesus offers Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine – featuring delicious dishes such as grilled cod, bean salads and prawns on their menu – while providing an enjoyable dining experience perfect for both groups and families!