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Church of Santo Ildefonso

The Church of Santo Ildefonso stands on Praça da Batalha, in the centre of Porto. An old chapel was demolished in 1709, and the new church was blessed on 18 July 1739; the main body was finished around 1730, and the two towers and the façade were completed later. The architect is unknown. What stands out most from the square are the blue and white azulejo tiles by Jorge Colaço, from 1932, which cover the façade and walls with scenes from the life of St Ildefonsus and allegories of the Eucharist. The towers are topped with spheres and decorative pediments, and a niche above the entablature holds the image of the patron saint. Inside there is a Baroque and Rococo carved altarpiece from the first half of the 18th century, attributed to Nicolau Nasoni, and the side altars are Neoclassical. In 1967 the stained-glass windows were replaced with new ones by Isolino Vaz. It has been a property of public interest since 1977.

Things to do at Church of Santo Ildefonso: 3 missions

• Walk along Colaço's façade tilesFrom Praça da Batalha, follow the panels on the façade and look for the scenes from the life of St Ildefonsus and the Eucharistic allegories.
• Find the saint's niche above the entablatureLook up and find the niche with the image of the patron saint between the two towers topped with spheres.
• Go inside to see the altarpiece attributed to NasoniInside the nave, look at the Baroque and Rococo carved altarpiece of the high altar and the Neoclassical side altars.

Near Church of Santo Ildefonso

Source: Web oficial - Visit Porto