Igreja do Carmo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The house between the two churches is known as the 'hottest house in the world' because it is technically the narrowest inhabited house in Portugal.

2. 2

   The famous azulejo mural on the side wall was designed by Silvestre Silvestri and produced in 1912, significantly later than the church's construction.

3. 3

   The two churches appear as one from the front, but were built for different religious orders, with the Carmelitas Descalços being the older structure.

4. 4

   The church contains a catacomb that was historically used to bury members of the Carmelite Order.

5. 5

   Construction of the Igreja do Carmo was partially funded by donations from Porto's wealthy merchant class.

Overview

Igreja do Carmo is distinguished by its vast lateral wall covered in over 15,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting the founding of the Carmelite Order. The building is actually two separate churches; the western church is the Carmo, while the eastern church is the Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços. A narrow, one-meter-wide house exists between the two churches, built specifically to prevent the monks and nuns from sharing a common wall. Completed in the late 18th century, the structure serves as a primary example of Porto's rococo and baroque architecture. The interior is characterized by extensive gilded woodcarvings and elaborate altarpieces. It remains an active place of worship while functioning as a site for cultural tourism.

Insider tips

• Walk to the Praça de Gomes Teixeira to view the full scope of the tiled side facade, which is the most photographed part of the building.

• Check the narrow space between the two churches to see the hidden 'invisible' house.

• Combine your visit with the nearby Igreja dos Clérigos to see the transition of architectural styles in the city center.