How many stories do you think these azulejo tiles could tell? We are standing before the Capela de Santa Catarina. It is also known as the Chapel of Souls. This chapel stands proudly on Rua de Santa Catarina. This is Porto’s bustling shopping street. The Capela de Santa Catarina is not just a building. It’s a canvas. It displays a breathtaking narrative in blue and white.
Let’s delve into the Capela de Santa Catarina history. Its origins trace back to the 18th century. The Brotherhood of Souls and Wounds of Saint Francis played a key role. They moved here from the Monastery of Santa Clara. This move boosted Saint Catherine’s popularity. It led to the construction of the chapel we see today. Expansion and restoration shaped it in 1801.
Now focus on the Capela de Santa Catarina facade. Before 1929, its exterior was simply plastered and painted white. But that all changed. The chapel now boasts 15947 azulejo tiles. These tiles cover about 360 square meters. Eduardo Leite designed them. The Fábrica de Cerâmica Viúva Lamego in Lisbon crafted these ceramic masterpieces. The tiles depict the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. We see Saint Francis’s death and Saint Catherine’s martyrdom.
Step inside the Capela de Santa Catarina. The interior reflects a neoclassical style. A large painting dominates the main altar. It’s called “The Ascension of the Lord” by Joaquim Rafael. Light filters through stained-glass windows. They represent souls. The windows add to the chapel’s serene atmosphere.
Did you know the tiles weren’t part of the original design? They were added in 1929. These hand-painted tiles create dimension on a white backdrop. Each tile is a work of art. Together, they transform the chapel into an enormous canvas.
The main facade features a framed door. A circular pediment tops it. A two-part coat of arms adorns the tympanum. It shows the arms of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. To the left, the bell tower rises. It has two floors. The first floor has a door with a small window. The second has four windows topped by a balcony. An iron cross crowns the dome.
The Capela de Santa Catarina is more than a religious monument. It’s a cultural landmark. It attracts both Catholics and non-believers. Its history, architecture, and beauty make it a must-see. As you leave the Capela de Santa Catarina take with you the stories etched in its tiles. Remember the devotion and artistry. They shaped this unique Porto treasure. The Capela de Santa Catarina is a testament to faith, art, and Portuguese heritage.