Igreja da Lapa

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The heart of King Pedro IV of Portugal (also Pedro I of Brazil) is enshrined in the church, separated from the rest of his body which lies in Brazil.

2. 2

   The church was constructed specifically to house the image of Our Lady of Lapa.

3. 3

   The cemetery contains the mausoleum of Camilo Castelo Branco, a titan of Portuguese 19th-century literature.

4. 4

   The church's pipe organ is considered one of the largest and most technically advanced in the Porto region.

5. 5

   The neoclassical facade was heavily influenced by the designs of Jose da Costa e Silva.

Overview

Igreja da Lapa is a prominent neoclassical church in Porto, completed in the mid-19th century. The site is most historically significant for housing the heart of King Pedro IV, which is preserved within the monument. The adjacent cemetery is one of the oldest and most notable in the city, serving as the final resting place for several prominent Portuguese figures. The church interior features a striking pipe organ built by the German master Georg Jann. The site is managed by the Venerable Brotherhood of Our Lady of Lapa, founded in the 18th century. Visitors can access a museum that details the history of the brotherhood and the building's neoclassical architecture.

Insider tips

• Visit the cemetery behind the church to see intricate 19th-century funerary art.

• Check if the organ is being played during your visit, as the acoustics are exceptional.