Church of São Francisco – Porto, Portugal
The Church of São Francisco is a Gothic masterpiece on the outside, yet its interior bursts with golden Baroque splendor. Hidden within lies the stunning “Tree of Jesse,” one of Portugal’s finest woodcarvings.
The Church of São Francisco, located in the historic heart of Porto, is a striking example of Gothic architecture from the 14th century, originally built by the Franciscan order. While the exterior maintains its medieval Gothic structure, several later additions — including the ornate entrance doors from the 17th and 18th centuries — reflect evolving styles over time.
What truly sets this church apart, however, is its Baroque interior, considered one of the most lavish in Portugal. Nearly every surface inside is covered with exuberant gilded woodcarvings, applied during the 17th and 18th centuries, creating a dazzling contrast to the somber stone exterior.
Highlights of the interior include the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, dating from the 15th century, and the extraordinary Tree of Jesse — a polychrome wood sculpture from the 18th century that visually traces the genealogy of Christ. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of Portuguese religious art.
Though deconsecrated, the Church of São Francisco remains one of the city’s most visited monuments, offering a powerful glimpse into the layered history of Porto — where Gothic faith meets Baroque grandeur.