The Chapel of Souls, or Capela das Almas, is a small Catholic chapel on Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s busy shopping street. Its blue-and-white azulejos cover the exterior, with scenes connected to Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. The tilework was added in 1929 and is the main reason to stop; the interior is much plainer, but you can step inside for a brief visit. Entry is free, and the chapel’s position beside a busy street makes the exterior especially lively to photograph.
The chapel’s azulejo exterior
Capela das Almas, also called the Chapel of Souls or Chapel of Santa Catarina, stands on Rua de Santa Catarina, a busy shopping street in Porto. The small church is known for its blue-and-white azulejos, the decorative tiles that cover its exterior.
The tile scenes are associated with Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. Their detailed panels turn the outside walls into the main focus of a visit. The chapel’s tiled exterior was added in 1929.
A brief visit inside
The interior is much plainer than the exterior. You can step inside for a short look, then return to the street to view the tilework from different angles. Entry is free.
Rua de Santa Catarina is busy, and the chapel sits beside a major crossing. For photographs, expect pedestrians and traffic in the foreground; a weekday visit can bring a quieter moment.
FAQ
Is entry to the Chapel of Souls free?
Yes. Entry is free.
What do the Chapel of Souls tiles depict?
The blue-and-white azulejos show scenes associated with Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine.
When were the chapel’s exterior tiles added?
The exterior was covered with azulejos in 1929.
