Church of Saint Francis
Porto
The Church of Saint Francis in Porto, Portugal, is the city's most prominent Gothic monument, renowned for its extraordinary Baroque gilt woodwork interior. Established originally by the Franciscan Order in the early 13th century, the current church's construction began in 1383 under King Ferdinand I and was completed around 1425. Its exterior preserves a large Gothic rose window and a South portal with Mudéjar influences, while the main façade features Baroque elements added later. The interior is richly decorated with intricate 18th-century Baroque gilded wood carvings that cover walls, pillars, chapels, and ceilings, contrasting strikingly with the church's austere Gothic architecture. Notable chapels include the Manueline-style Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, built in the 1530s for the Carneiro family, and the pantheon chapels of prominent local families. The church also houses a 13th-century polychrome granite statue of Saint Francis, one of the few remnants of the original smaller church. Despite damage during the 1832 siege of Porto, which destroyed the cloisters, the church remains a masterpiece of religious art and architecture, reflecting centuries of artistic and cultural heritage in Porto's historic center.
ヒント: Visitors should plan to visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the intricate Baroque gilded interiors. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. The church offers a virtual tour online for preliminary exploration. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Note that the church is located in Porto's historic center, easily accessible by public transport.
興味深い事実
- •The church is considered the best example of Gothic architecture in Porto with an extensively preserved medieval structure.
- •Its interior Baroque gilt woodwork (talha dourada) is among the most outstanding in Portugal, covering almost all interior surfaces.
- •The South portal features Mudéjar-style reliefs, reflecting Islamic artistic influence in Portugal.
- •A 13th-century polychrome granite statue of Saint Francis inside the church is a rare surviving relic from the original church.
- •The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist was built in the 1530s in Manueline style, a late Portuguese Gothic architectural style.
- •The cloisters were destroyed by fire during the 1832 siege of Porto and replaced by the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa).
歴史
The Franciscan Order settled in Porto around 1223, initially facing opposition from local clergy.
After a papal bull in 1244 confirmed their land rights, a small church was built.
In 1383, construction of the current larger Gothic church began under King Ferdinand I, finishing around 1425.
Over the 15th and 16th centuries, wealthy Porto families sponsored chapels, including the Manueline Chapel of Saint John the Baptist.
The 18th century saw a major Baroque artistic campaign, covering the interior with elaborate gilt woodwork.
The cloisters were destroyed by fire during the 1832 siege of Porto and replaced by the 19th-century Neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace.
The church was declared a National Monument in 1910 and is part of Porto's UNESCO World Heritage historic center.
場所ガイド
Main Façade and Rose Window14th-18th century
The church's main façade features a large, elaborate Gothic rose window, the only original decoration surviving on the front. The Baroque West portal has two tiers with solomonic columns and a statue of Saint Francis.
South Portal14th century
Facing the river, this Gothic portal is stepped forward from the façade and decorated with a triangular gable featuring a pentagram. It includes a series of Gothic archivolts with Mudéjar (Islamic influenced) reliefs.
Nave and Transept14th-15th century
The church has a nave with three aisles, the central one being the highest, and a transept with large windows that illuminate the crossing and main chapel. The apse has three chapels and a small rose window with pentagram tracery.
Chapel of Saint John the Baptist1530s
Built in the 1530s for the Carneiro family, this chapel in the right transept arm features Manueline rib vaulting and a beautiful portal designed by architect Diogo de Castilho. It contains a Baroque altarpiece incorporating a 16th-century painting of the Baptism of Christ.
Baroque Gilt Woodwork Interior18th century
Most interior surfaces, including walls, pillars, chapels, and ceilings, are covered with intricate 18th-century Portuguese gilt wood carvings (talha dourada). This lavish decoration contrasts with the church's Gothic architecture and is considered among Portugal's finest Baroque interiors.
Pantheon Chapels of Prominent Families15th-16th century
Several chapels were sponsored by prominent Porto families during the 15th and 16th centuries, serving as family pantheons. Notably, the chapel of Luís Álvares de Sousa near the entrance features a Gothic portal with coat-of-arms and inscription, now occupied by a Baroque altarpiece.
連絡先
電話: 22 206 2125
