Igreja dos Capuchinhos

Does this unassuming building give away its significance? You might be surprised to learn that the Igreja dos Capuchinhos has a deeper past than meets the eye. The Igreja dos Capuchinhos, established in 1958, wasn’t the first choice for the Capuchin Franciscan order in Porto. Their journey to establish their presence here started back in 1937. Initially, they attempted to secure a plot near the Igreja da Conceição. However, they faced resistance from the designated parish priest, leading them to relinquish the land and lose their down payment. Undeterred, the order purchased the Quinta do Tronco estate in 1940, marking the beginning of their presence at the current site of the Igreja dos Capuchinhos. The estate, named after a “tronco” (a hitching post for horses), speaks to a time when horses and carriages traversed the route between Coimbra and Braga, finding respite at this location. Within the estate stood a chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception with an 18th-century statue, which still graces the convent’s chapel today. Before the arrival of the Capuchins, the Quinta do Tronco served as a retreat for priests seeking solace and prayer. The inauguration of the new convent in 1966 further solidified their roots, becoming a home for Franciscan students pursuing studies in Philosophy and Theology. Since 1974, the Capuchins have served as parish priests, and since 1980, the Igreja dos Capuchinhos has been the parish church, known as Nossa Senhora do Amial. This church, a testament to perseverance and dedication, stands as a symbol of their unwavering commitment to serving the community .