“Did those tiles always cover the Capela de Santa Comba?” someone once asked me. The answer is no. This jewel of Porto, often called the Chapel of Souls, wasn’t always so adorned. The Capela de Santa Comba, nestled on Rua de Santa Catarina, started life much humbler. An 18th-century construction, its exterior remained bare for over a century. Imagine a simple, whitewashed chapel, frequented by the Brotherhood of Souls.
Then, in 1929, a transformation! Eduardo Leite, a master of azulejo, the iconic blue tiles of Portugal, was commissioned. He designed almost 16,000 tiles, each hand-painted, depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. Their stories unfold across the chapel’s facade, a silent spectacle of faith and artistry.
Today, the Capela de Santa Comba stands as a testament to this transformation. The vivid blue tiles, a stark contrast to the bustling street, draw you in. It’s a visual feast for tourists and a source of quiet pride for locals. So, the next time you’re captivated by the Capela de Santa Comba’s beauty, remember the story behind those tiles. They are more than just decoration; they are a testament to faith, history, and artistic vision.