Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitória

The church dates back to the 18th century and showcases a blend of architectural styles, predominantly Baroque and Neoclassical. The church was badly damaged in the 19th century by both the Siege of Porto (1832-1833) and then again in 1874 during a fare. In the side wall, near the south door, you can still find a bullet lodged in the stone.

The interior of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitória features a nave with high ceilings adorned with beautiful stucco patterns. One of the highlights of this church is its stunning altarpiece. The main altar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with gold leaf and intricate woodwork.

As you explore further, you’ll notice other notable features, such as beautiful side chapels, ornate statues, and impressive artwork. The attention to detail in every corner of the church is truly remarkable.

Visit Notes

During my visit, the doors were open but the interior was roped off so I couldn’t do more than walk inside the door. There was a man playing a violin up by the altar and I now believe that every church should have a violinist at all times. It was incredible.

Even though I wasn’t able to explore the church the way I wanted, I really enjoyed walking around the neighborhood nearby. The architecture in Porto is beautiful, abandoned buildings next to exquisitely restored buildings, cobblestone streets, cats running around… You can’t go wrong just strolling through the streets.