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Offered languages
- English
For centuries, glazed tiles have been woven into the fabric of Portuguese culture, and Porto is no exception. From monumental façades to humble homes, tiles are an essential part of the city’s landscape, where art, history, and everyday life converge.
In this 2.5-hour private walking tour, we’ll do more than just admire the beauty and versatility of tiles — we’ll use them as a key to unlock the fascinating story of Porto. Each stop will reveal a chapter of the city’s history, architecture and lifestyle. We'll visit iconic landmarks, explore a tile depository with thousands of designs and uncover how tiles played a role in Porto’s commerce and art.
The final stretch will be about discovering stories behind the famous tiled panels at São Bento station and the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, with its breathtaking baroque tiles.
The experience, led by an architect and design researcher specializing in built heritage, includes a snack and a ticket for the Cathedral.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our meeting point is in front of the Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas). Address: Rua da Santa Catarina 428. It's the chapel covered in thousands of blue and white glazed tiles.
The tour ends at Sé, the Cathedral of Porto. Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto. It's 0.6 miles or about 10-12 minute walk from the starting point.
Itinerary
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1
A perfect place for an introduction and to learn about the famous Santa Catarina Street and its landmarks.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
A vibrant place to feel the spirit of the city and to learn how tiles have been used for advertising purposes.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
We will look into the details of one of the most beautiful façades of Porto and learn not only about its tiles but also about the tea-drinking habit!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
We will visit a branch of Porto City Museum that keeps wide variety of tiles from different epochs. We will delve deeper into the history of tiles in Portugal, and explore thousands of designs and patterns that can be seen in the streets of Porto.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Sao Bento Railway Station
This is one of the most stylish arrival points in Europe and beyond! We will learn all about the long history of the building and explore the diversity of motives on its tiled panels.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
A remarkable 21st-century hand-painted tile panel is on our way too!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Igreja do Carmo
Here we will admire the beauty of the tiles and learn about the curious history of this Porto's baroque landmark! (we won't be visiting the interior on this tour)
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
8Catedral do Porto
Last but not least: we will wrap up our visit in the oldest monument of Porto, and a never-ending work of art and architecture. We'll focus on the remarkable Baroque tiles and a unique atmosphere inside the Cathedral.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a small-group private tour: min 2, max 6 guests
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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