The first day of your 3 days in Porto trip starts with one of the most notorious landmarks of the city! The Igreja do Carmo or the Carmo Convent, as most people know it, is probably the most famous landmark in the old town of Porto. It is easily distinguished among the other churches around the city by its beautifully tiled facade covered in white and blue tiles.
The Carmo Convent was build in the 18th century and is one of the most beautiful representations of the Baroque architecture in the city. It seems as if its the biggest church in the city, but the truth is, it consists of two churches separated by Portugal’s tinniest house. The story behind the tiny house is that back in the days there was a law forbidding churches to share the same wall. Thus, this tiny house was built to separate the two churches and also the fraternization of nuns and monks.
Next to Carmo’s Convent is the Carmelitas’ church, which was built in the 17th century. Although its exterior is not that rich like Carmo’s, it has one of the most beautiful Baroque interiors with lots of woodcarvings to enjoy.
If you want to enter the churches, it is absolutely free of charge. However, if you would like to visit Portugal’s tinnies house it will cost you 3.50 EUR. Honestly, it was quite an interesting experience to see how tiny the rooms of this house are! Furthermore, you will have the chance to check out the catacombs of Carmo’s church and its tiny corridors leading to the rooms of the church on the second floor. My advice is: GO CHECK IT OUT!