Porto · Portugal
Church of São Francisco
A practical guide to the Church of São Francisco in Porto: price, hours, how much time to give it, what to see among the gold and the catacombs, and the photo rule.
If you're only going into one church in Porto, make it this one. On the outside it's plain; on the inside, almost everything is carved and gilded wood.
The Church of São Francisco is a late 14th-century Gothic church whose interior was covered in the 18th century with talha dourada: Brazilian jacaranda wood, carved and covered in gold leaf, on the walls, columns, ceiling and chapels. Underneath are catacombs with tombs of Porto’s noble families. It’s right next to the Palácio da Bolsa, a couple of steps from the river.
Our experience
We went in on Thursday, May 14, at 18:00, as soon as we finished the tour of the Bolsa, which is next door. By that hour the midday groups are gone and getting in is quick. We had 40 minutes before heading down to the Ribeira for dinner at 19:00, so we went straight to the essentials: the nave, the Tree of Jesse and the catacombs.
We’d read about the photo rule beforehand and decided not to fight it: no flash, and phones away if the staff asked.
A bit of history
The Franciscans arrived in Porto around 1223, just twelve years after the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The current church was started in 1383 under King Fernando I and finished around 1410. On the outside it keeps its Franciscan restraint: granite, pointed windows and a rose window.
Everything changed with the gold of Minas Gerais. Between 1700 and 1750 the order used donations to cover the interior, and the result was so over the top that at one point it was closed to worship for being considered contrary to the vow of poverty.
On July 24, 1832, during the siege of Porto, a fire destroyed the convent. The church survived, and the Palácio da Bolsa was built on the convent’s ruins. The catacombs were finished in 1752 and used until 1845, when the law banned burials inside churches.
How it fits into your day
The Bolsa, São Francisco and dinner on the Ribeira fit into one afternoon. That’s how we did it on our first day in Porto.
What to see, in order
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The museum
Ten minutes of religious art and objects from the Franciscan order. Photos are usually allowed here.
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The first look
When you walk in, stand still for a few seconds. Look at the central nave and then turn slowly toward the side aisles.
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The high altar
Gilded from top to bottom, with Saint Francis in the center and spiraling Solomonic columns.
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The Tree of Jesse
In the north aisle. Carved between 1718 and 1721 by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes: Jesse asleep at the bottom, the twelve kings of Judah in the branches and the Virgin and Child at the top. The figures are painted over the gold background.
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The side chapels
Each one is a complete gilded scene. Look for the chapels of São Roque, São José and São João Batista.
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The catacombs
Under the Casa do Despacho, across from the church. Tombs of noble families in the floor and a glass grate through which you can see the ossuary.
Tips we wish we’d known
Tips
- The photo rule changes depending on who's on duty. Never use flash, and put your phone away if a staff member looks at you, especially near the high altar and the Tree of Jesse.
- Do it right after the Palácio da Bolsa: they share a wall, and between the two you cover the two best interiors in the city.
- A lot of people set aside an hour and see everything in 30 or 40 minutes. Save the extra time for the Tree of Jesse.
Do
- Pay at the door: there's no priority line and no need to buy online.
- Cover your shoulders. They don't always require it, but they prefer it.
- Go down to the catacombs even if you're in a hurry: you can see the ossuary grate in a couple of minutes.
Don’t
- Don't buy "skip-the-line" vouchers on the street: they're the same ticket at a higher price or worthless paper.
- Don't rent audio guides offered to you outside: the church has no official audio guide.
- Don't sit down at the first terrace on the Ribeira when you leave: the tourist menus on the quay cost quite a bit more than one street back.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter the Church of São Francisco?
In May 2026, Porto's tourism website listed €7.50 for adults, with the museum and catacombs included. Some sources still say €9; go by the sign at the door.
Can you take photos inside?
The official rule allows photos without flash, but many visitors say staff ask them to put their phones away. Never use flash, and if they ask, put it away.
How much gold is in the Church of São Francisco?
Figures range from about 300 to 600 kilos depending on the source. The convent's records burned, so the only sure thing is that it's several hundred kilos of gold leaf, mostly from Brazil.
Is there a combined ticket with the Palácio da Bolsa?
No. They're right next to each other, but each has its own ticket office.