Things to do in Northern Portugal, Portugal: The Best Churches & Cathedrals

Válega church is a true masterpiece of tile painting art and surely one of the remarkable churches in Portugal! On sunset the church facade, facing west, is particularly beautiful, bathed by sunlight. A true golden temple that sparkles with its amazing tiles of many colours. The patronage of the church belonged to private owners until 1150. Válega is located 6,5 km away from the city of Ovar and it sure deserves a visit!

Clérigos Tower is the foremost undisputed landmark of Porto and a reference in the city's history. Clérigos Tower opened its doors in 1763, becoming the highest bell tower of Portugal, with over 75 metres. In 1753 the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni was invited to design and build this magnificent Heritage, considered National Monument since 1910. The famous church was built in the eighteenth century, between 1732 and 1749 and this was the most emblematic work of the architect Nicolau Nasoni. Is one of the most beautiful temples of baroque feature, and a reference in the history of Porto. The Exhibitions allow to discover the history of the Brotherhood of Clérigos, admire pieces from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century, in painting, furniture, jewellery and vestment collections. Christus collection, on the 3 floor, is a trip through time and space where art and religion complement each other.

The catholic Church of Our Lady of Carmo, national heritage, is of the baroque-rococo style, belonging to carmelite laymen: the third religious order of Our Lady of Carmo (or Carmel, in english, after Our Lady of Carmel, the patroness of the Order). The Third Religious Order of Our lady of Carmo in Oporto was founded in 1736 and opened for worship on July 24 ,1768. Masses everyday by 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and Sunday another mass by 12:30. Rosary: 2:30 p.m. everyday. One may visit the Touristic circuit by a small fee that helps to rebuild and restore its heritage: by 3,5 euros one may visit the Hidden House (narrowest house of Oporto), church, catacombs, sacristy and three other rooms with ancient paintings and vestments, available everytime there isn't an event. To visit only the hidden house, there's a ticket which costs 2 euros. Whenever wishing just to only see the church (with no entry fee), we ask you to be a bit earlier than the time of mass, so not to interrupt the masses.

Monumento Nacional desde 1884, cuja data de construcao e anterior a propria nacionalidade. Esta igreja foi fundada pelos cavaleiros do Santo Sepulcro, sendo duplice, por nele morarem conegos e conegas de Santo Agostinho, da ordem regrante do Santo Sepulcro. De origem romanica possui duas naves com capiteis ornados com folhagens e decoram-na paineis pintados com motivos vegetalistas e animais. Destaca-se na sua frontaria o portal de quatro arquivoltas ogivadas, e, no lado norte, o portal de duas arquivoltas igualmente ogivadas, com a cruz de Malta no timpano.