Two Churches Side By Side - Carmo & Carmelitas Church

Located in downtown Porto, you will find what appears to be an enormous church, but it is actually three different buildings. The Carmelitas Church (on the left), built in the 17th century for the Carmelite nuns. This building was used as barracks during the French Invasion of Porto in 1808-1814. Carmo Church (on the right) was built for the Carmelite monks in the 18th century. And then there is the skinny house, which is easily missed, in between which was inhabited up until the 1980’s.

Depending on who you talk to the story varies. Some say the small house was built to keep the monks and the nuns seperate, others say that two churches could not be built side by side.

This is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The front facade, and if you look close, you can see the skinny building with a door on ground level and two windows, one on the second and third floors.

The Carmo Church, which was built in the 18th century for the Carmelite monks.

A few images of the beautiful interior

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The entrance facade of Carmelitas

The richly gilded baroque and rococo style interiors

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The dining room on the second floor

One of the rooms inside the skinny house

Part of the museum collection

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What you should know:

• There is an entrance fee to enter the churches and museum.

• Public restrooms are available.

• Tickets can be bought on site.

• Tours are self-guided.

• You could spend a couple of hours exploring here, depending on your level of interest.

• Check website for days / hours of operation and any special events.

Location: R. do Carmo, 4050-164 Porto, Portugal

For more information: Carmo & Carmelitas