Awe-Inspiring ‘Chapel of Souls’ Is Covered in 16,000 Ceramic Tiles With Scenes of Bible, Christ

Awe-Inspiring ‘Chapel of Souls’ Is Covered in 16,000 Ceramic Tiles With Scenes of Bible, Christ
Left: (Mo Wu/Shutterstock); Right: (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
5/21/2023
Updated:
7/9/2023
0:00

This unique Portuguese chapel is at once a breathtakingly unique work of art and an homage to religious history.

Capela das Almas, or Chapel of Souls, is an early 18th-century neoclassical church in Porto, Portugal, located on Ruа dе Sаntа Саtаrinа in the busy shopping district of Sаntо Ildеfоnsо. Yet, the church remains the most conspicuous presence on the street for a very special feature: the chapel is covered in almost 16,000 decorative ceramic tiles, called “azulejos,” in eye-popping blue and white.

The impressive front of Chapel of Souls, decorated with azulejo tiles in Porto, Portugal. (Mo Wu/Shutterstock)
The impressive front of Chapel of Souls, decorated with azulejo tiles in Porto, Portugal. (Mo Wu/Shutterstock)
Characteristic azulejo tile work along the side of Chapel of Souls in Porto, Portugal. (Fotokon/Shutterstock)
Characteristic azulejo tile work along the side of Chapel of Souls in Porto, Portugal. (Fotokon/Shutterstock)

The tiles are arranged in panels depicting the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine in various religious scenes, including the death of the former and the martyrdom of the latter. The tiles were designed by Eduardo Leite and were made by Fábrica Viúva Lamego in Lisbon in 1929.

Stylistically, they emulate the famous blue and white delft tiles of the 19th century and include details such as decorative filigree that add to the grandeur of the design.

A three-quarter view of Chapel of Souls in Porto, Portugal. (eldeiv/Shutterstock)
A three-quarter view of Chapel of Souls in Porto, Portugal. (eldeiv/Shutterstock)
Detail of azulejos tile art depicting biblical scenes on the side of Chapel of Souls. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
Detail of azulejos tile art depicting biblical scenes on the side of Chapel of Souls. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
Detail of azulejos tile art on the side of Chapel of Souls. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
Detail of azulejos tile art on the side of Chapel of Souls. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)

Chapel of Souls originates from an old wooden chapel built in honor of Santa Catarina, according to the Greater Porto project. During the reformation of the chapel in 1719, the monk Domingos de Campos Soares integrated two surviving features into the new building: an arcozol, or rainbow, in the south wall, and a cross in the east of the temple, according to the Santo Sepulcro blog.

Besides its 15,947 decorative tiles, other features of the stunning chapel include a two-story bell tower covered by a dome, a huge chandelier, and an imposing stained glass window over the chapel door, showing souls that were executed in the 19th century in Purgatory, being cleansed of their sins by the blood of Christ.

An impressive full view of the street corner occupied by Chapel of Souls in Porto, Portugal. (Santi Rodriguez/Shutterstock)
An impressive full view of the street corner occupied by Chapel of Souls in Porto, Portugal. (Santi Rodriguez/Shutterstock)
Detail of azulejos tile artwork exhibits scenes of Christ and biblical stories on the side of Chapel of Souls. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
Detail of azulejos tile artwork exhibits scenes of Christ and biblical stories on the side of Chapel of Souls. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
(Left) Detail of intricate tile artwork called azulejos on the side of Chapel of the Souls in Porto, Portugal. (Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock); (Right) A detail of azulejos tile artwork depicting Christ above. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
(Left) Detail of intricate tile artwork called azulejos on the side of Chapel of the Souls in Porto, Portugal. (Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock); (Right) A detail of azulejos tile artwork depicting Christ above. (Cassia Bars Hering/Shutterstock)
Portuguese blogger and Lisbon resident Catarina Araújo describes Chapel of Souls as “a Porto must,” writing, “Whilst the tiles may draw you into the church, once inside, the stained glass windows, giant chandelier, gorgeous paintings, and architectural details will make you linger.”

The chapel underwent expansion and restoration work in 1801 and was listed as a property of public interest in 1993. Today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the area. Visitors are invited to write a letter to God or light a candle in the temple.

A lone man sitting on the step outside the Chapel of Souls. (peacefoo/Shutterstock)
A lone man sitting on the step outside the Chapel of Souls. (peacefoo/Shutterstock)
A woman examines the azulejos tile artwork on the side of Chapel Of Souls in Porto, Portugal (iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock)
A woman examines the azulejos tile artwork on the side of Chapel Of Souls in Porto, Portugal (iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock)
A congregation sits during a service amid ornate architecture in the interior of Chapel of Souls. (agsaz/Shutterstock)
A congregation sits during a service amid ornate architecture in the interior of Chapel of Souls. (agsaz/Shutterstock)
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Louise Chambers is a writer, born and raised in London, England. She covers inspiring news and human interest stories.
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