Located in the heart of Porto's historic centre near the Clérigos Tower, the Carmo Church is a striking Baroque building completed in 1768 and used to house Carmelite Monks. The interior of the church is designed in the late Baroque and Rococo styles and the main façade is adorned with ornate sculptures, intricate stonework, and a dramatic central portal. The eye-catching blue and white tiled facade was added later, in 1912, and depicts scenes related to the foundation of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel.
Right next door to the Carmo Church, There is a second church built for Carmelite nuns, the Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços. Looking at the main facade, you would be forgiven for thinking that they are part of the same building. However, if you take a closer look, you can see a narrow, 1-metre-wide house that sits between them. Believe it or not, this house was inhabited until the 1980s and remains one of Porto’s quirkiest architectural curiosities. One theory behind the existence of the house is that it was built to keep the monks and nuns apart.
Nestled in the North West of Portugal and dominated by the dramatic Douro River, Porto captivates visitors with its exquisite architecture, maritime charm and over 2000 years of history. On our private half-day highlights tour, you’ll get an in-depth look at the city as you visit a carefully chosen selection of the most noteworthy landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide sharing the stories behind them.
On this half-day walking tour, you will:
Soak up the true essence of Porto on this engaging half-day private walking tour, designed for discerning travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s history, culture, and architecture. With an expert local guide leading the way, you’ll journey through Porto’s most storied streets and landmarks, uncovering the layers of history that have shaped this fascinating city. Your exploration begins in the Praça Infante Dom Henrique, a square steeped in maritime history, where you’ll hear tales of the city’s ancient origins, its seafaring legacy and its role in the Age of Discovery. From here, ascend the San Nicolau steps, a scenic route leading up to the Sé do Porto, the city’s imposing Romanesque Cathedral. One of Porto’s most important historical monuments, the Sé offers not only breathtaking views over the Douro River but also a glimpse into the city’s medieval past, with its sturdy walls, Gothic cloisters, and baroque embellishments.
Descending into the bustling Rua das Flores, Porto’s most picturesque thoroughfare, you’ll walk through centuries of history. Once home to noble families and goldsmiths, today this lively pedestrian street is lined with elegant townhouses, boutique shops, and cafés buzzing with life. Nearby, you’ll have the chance to step inside São Bento Station, to enjoy the extraordinary azulejo tile panels, which vividly depict scenes from Portugal’s history in stunning blue and white.
Soon you’ll get a change of scenery as your guide takes you up to Avenida dos Aliados, the city’s grandest boulevard. With its magnificent neoclassical and Beaux-Arts buildings, this avenue tells the story of Porto’s transformation in the early 20th century, symbolized by the stately City Hall, standing proudly at its northern end. Your guide will explain how Porto’s spirit of resilience, from medieval battles to modern revolutions, is woven into the very fabric of this district. You’ll continue to Clérigos Tower, an architectural jewel of the Baroque era. Designed by celebrated Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni, this soaring bell tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Just around the corner, you’ll pause outside the Carmo Church, one of Porto’s most striking landmarks, your guide can reveal an architectural quirk that tells a fascinating story of monastic life in centuries past.
Your voyage of discovery culminates at the doorstep of Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Your guide will explain intriguing details about this charming haven for bibliophiles and reveal the truth behind the much-talked-about connections with Harry Potter. Once you bid farewell to your local expert, who will equip you with pre-purchased tickets, you’ll step inside the shop to experience its gorgeous neo-Gothic interior, intricate wooden staircase, and spectacular stained-glass skylight. By the end of your journey together, you’ll not only have walked through Porto’s streets but also through centuries of stories, traditions, and transformations that make it the enchanting city it is today.
Porto has so much to offer, from incredible architecture, a long and fascinating history and a world-renowned food and wine scene. If you want to make the most of your visit, our private, extensive full-day tour tailored to your interests is an excellent way to capture the essence of the city in the company of a passionate local guide. You’ll embark upon a carefully curated route around the most interesting monuments, topped off with a visit to a Port wine cellar to taste the city’s most beloved delicacy.
On your full-day walking tour, you will:
Experience the very best of Porto on a full-day private walking tour designed for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of the city's history, stunning architecture, and cultural traditions. With an expert guide leading the way, you'll journey through Porto’s most iconic sites, uncovering the fascinating stories behind each landmark, before ending the day with a celebration of the city’s most famous export: Port wine. Your adventure begins at one of Porto’s most spectacular vantage points, where you'll take in panoramic views over the city, the Douro River, and the terracotta rooftops of Ribeira, while your guide provides a fascinating introduction to the city's past and present. Winding through the historic streets, you'll stop at Clérigos Tower, a soaring Baroque masterpiece that has defined Porto’s skyline for centuries. Just around the corner, you’ll find the quaint Carmo Church, known for its ornate azulejo-covered facade, where your guide can point out an intriguing architectural detail that alludes to the connection with the church next door.
You will also pass by the legendary Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, where you’ll admire its facade replete with Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau details while your guide reveals the truth behind its rumoured connection to the literary sensation Harry Potter. Continuing along Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s grandest boulevard, you'll pause at the neoclassical City Hall and hear how this elegant avenue has been the stage for some of the city’s most significant political and cultural events. Later, a stop at São Bento Station will give you the chance to marvel at its delightful tile panels, which depict key moments from Portuguese history in thousands of hand-painted azulejos.
You’ll step back in time to the Middle Ages as you make your way to Porto Cathedral, one of the city's oldest and most significant monuments, discovering how this imposing structure played a crucial role in Porto’s evolution. Descending into the Ribeira district, you’ll get a breath of sea air as you walk around the city’s atmospheric riverside quarter, where colourful facades, historic alleyways, and lively squares provide a fitting backdrop as your guide explains how Porto became one of Europe’s key maritime hubs. After a refreshing pause for lunch at one of Porto’s fantastic restaurants (at your own expense), your journey continues across the Dom Luís I Bridge, a remarkable architectural innovation that offers breathtaking views over the Douro. Arriving in Vila Nova de Gaia, you will proceed to explore the quieter side of the river, where the centuries-old tradition of Port wine ageing and trade has shaped the city’s identity. Your day will conclude with a visit to one of Porto’s most prestigious Port Houses, where your guide will hand over pre-arranged tickets for a guided cellar visit and an indulgent Port wine tasting. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the art of Port winemaking, from the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the casks of Gaia, and of course, savour a selection of exceptional Ports.
This private, personalized experience offers an intimate and insightful journey through Porto, blending history, architecture, culture, and world-class wine to ensure you spend an unforgettable day in Portugal’s most captivating city.
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