Capela das Almas
Porto
The Chapel of Santa Catarina, popularly called Capela das Almas, is a renowned religious site in Porto, Portugal, distinguished by its extensive blue azulejo tile covering. Originally founded as a wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine, the existing structure dates back to the late 18th century, following the relocation of the Brotherhood of Souls and Wounds of Saint Francis from the Monastery of Santa Clara. The chapel features a neoclassical interior and a facade adorned with 15,947 azulejo tiles created by Eduardo Leite and produced by the Fábrica de Cerâmica Viúva Lamego in Lisbon. These tiles vividly illustrate the lives and martyrdom of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi. Architecturally, the chapel has two sections with a bell tower and a dome topped by an iron cross. Inside, the main altar showcases Joaquim Rafael's painting "The Ascension of the Lord." The chapel remains a significant cultural and spiritual landmark on Porto's bustling shopping street, Rua de Santa Catarina, attracting numerous visitors and worshippers alike.
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Astuce: Visit the chapel during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the detailed azulejo tiles. Purchasing tickets in advance is not necessary as it is a public chapel, but guided tours of Porto often include it. The best time to visit is in daylight to see the vivid tile artwork clearly. There are no entrance fees, and nearby amenities on Rua de Santa Catarina provide easy access to food and shopping. Modest dress is recommended as it is a place of worship.
Faits intéressants
- •The chapel's facade is covered by 15,947 blue azulejo tiles, making it one of the most extensive tile-covered buildings in Porto.
- •The tiles depict the lives and martyrdom of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting the chapel's spiritual heritage.
- •The stained-glass window representing souls was painted by Amândio Silva in 1964.
- •The chapel's neoclassical interior features a large painting titled 'The Ascension of the Lord' by Joaquim Rafael.
- •Originally, the chapel's exterior was whitewashed until the tile facade was installed in 1929.
Histoire
The Chapel of Santa Catarina originated from a wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine.
Construction of the current building began in the late 18th century when the Brotherhood of Souls and Wounds of Saint Francis moved there from the Monastery of Santa Clara, increasing its prominence.
It underwent expansion and restoration in 1801, and until 1929, its exterior was plastered and whitewashed.
The iconic blue azulejo tile facade was added in 1929, covering approximately 360 square meters and depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Catherine.
The stained-glass window representing souls was created in 1964 by painter Amândio Silva.
Guide du lieu
Facade and Azulejo Tiles1929
The chapel's most striking feature is its exterior covered with nearly 16,000 blue azulejo tiles illustrating scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine, created by Eduardo Leite in 1929.
Bell Tower and DomeLate 18th century
The bell tower stands to the left of the main facade, with two floors featuring doors and windows topped by a balcony. The dome is crowned with an iron cross, adding to the chapel's neoclassical architecture.
Interior and Main Altar
Inside, the chapel is decorated in neoclassical style, with the main altar showcasing 'The Ascension of the Lord,' a large painting by Joaquim Rafael.
Stained-Glass Window Representing Souls1964
A notable stained-glass window representing souls was painted in 1964 by Amândio Silva, adding a unique artistic element to the chapel's interior.