Dag 3 Dos Clerigos, Carmelitas e do Carmo - Casa de cha

We start our third day with a visit to the  Dos Clerigos tower and church

The church and the Tower are part of a baroque-inspired building from the 18th century, which marked the city's urban configuration, located on an uneven street, but brilliantly used by Nicolau Nasoni, who managed to create a landmark building. The Church and the Tower are adjoined to the House of the Brotherhood, which since 2014, after it became a museum, is open to the public

The donation of a land, located in Campo do Olival, at that time the largest plot of land in Porto, allowed the Brotherhood of the Clerics to build their own church.

The Church of the Clerics project, by Nicolau Nasoni, was approved at a meeting of the Brotherhood of the Clerics in December 1731. The works started in April 1732, with the opening of the foundations, thus beginning the construction of that which would become the first church in Portugal with an ellipse shaped plan. In addition,  the gallery that surrounds the entire nave, making it possible to observe the church as a whole, is also a unique feature of this temple. 

The dome boasts the coat of arms of the Brotherhood of the Clerics, in faux granite, and rests on six pillars, standing out two pulpits and two grids, the oldest examples of gold carving in the church, and four lateral altars are opened: the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Emygdius and Saint Anne. 

Our next visit is  to the surprising Carmo & Carmelitas’ Churches.

Carmo Church was built in the 18th century and is an amazing example of the baroque architecture. 

Outside, you will find a magnificent panel of blue and white tiles, representing the Brown Scapular imposition on Mount Carmel. The panel is rich in details, perspective and color and was designed by Silvestro Silvestri.

The Carmo and Carmelitas churches are two churches separated by one of the world’s narrowest houses. This house was built to make all contact between the nuns and the monks impossible. If you look closely, you’ll find Carmo Church (on the right) and Carmelitas Church (on the left).

Carmelitas Church was part of a convent in the 17h century. The building has a classical façade with a single a bell tower and a rich gilded interior. The church was used as barracks during the French Invasion of Porto (1808-1814).

On the Carmelitas’ church interior you’ll find a rich baroque and rococo style with gilded woodcarvings on the main altar and the lateral chapels. 

  

The Carmo church has also such  gilded woodcarving

















We take a bus to the 
Jardim do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace)the most beautiful gardens in Porto. 

 Not only the different gardens and spaces are a remarkable example of the gardens during the Romantic period, but they also are a terrific belvedere with views over the Douro river, Atlantic Ocean and the city itself.

We return to the CASA da Musica  to take the metro to the Mercado de Matosinhos from where we take a taxi to Restaurante Casa de Cha da Boa Nova, where Mieke has invited us to celebrate her birthday.

Boa Nova Tea House is much more than a restaurant. 

Those who visit it immediately perceive the immense horizon through the impressive windows, maximizing all the moment expectations.

Chef Rui Paula surprises customers with his audacity, taking them to the next level of gastronomic experiences, through a symbiotic vision where he really shows his innerself.

The singularity of the building that houses the restaurant remains a paradigm of architectural insertion in an exceptional landscape.

Result of the architectural genius Pritzker Siza Vieira, the property is one of the most emblematic works of the renowned architect. Born from rocks, and hand in hand with the sea,  designated as a National Monument and integrated in the International Architecture Itinerary.

Desserts

After a visit to the kitchen we take our coffee on he terrace.

A most fabulous food experience.  Thank you Mieke.