Igreja da Misericórdia

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The church houses a world-renowned 16th-century oil painting known as the Fons Vitae, which depicts King Manuel I and his family kneeling before the fountain of Christ's blood.

2. 2

   The facade's intricate granite carvings were commissioned to Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who is also responsible for the city's iconic Clérigos Tower.

3. 3

   The Misericórdia institution was originally established by Queen Leonor of Viseu in 1498 to provide social and medical assistance.

4. 4

   The church was significantly remodeled in the mid-1700s to align with the decorative trends of the period, adding the complex stone ornamentation seen today.

5. 5

   The onsite museum holds a significant collection of sacred art, including liturgical vestments and historical documents related to the brotherhood's charity work.

Overview

Igreja da Misericórdia is a 16th-century church located on Rua das Flores, characterized by a fusion of Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque architectural styles. The church was originally founded in 1550 by King Manuel I. Its current façade is dominated by an elaborate 18th-century granite portal designed by Nicolau Nasoni. The interior preserves the 'Fons Vitae' (Fountain of Life), a masterpiece of Portuguese Renaissance painting attributed to Colijn de Coter. The building serves as the headquarters for the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto, a historic charitable institution. The exterior architecture reflects the stylistic transition from the austerity of the Renaissance to the ornate Baroque influence typical of Porto's religious buildings.

Insider tips

• Combine your visit with a walk down Rua das Flores to see the preserved 18th-century merchant houses.

• Visit the attached museum to better understand the role of the Misericórdia brotherhood in Porto's social history.

• Check the upper levels of the gallery for closer views of the vaulted ceilings.