Igreja dos Grilos

The Church of the Grilos – or São Lourenço – began construction in the sixteenth century and features a monumental façade. It was built by the Jesuits in a Mannerist Baroque style. The coat of arms of Frei Luís Álvaro de Távoras, one of its founders, is visible on the outside and he is buried inside. Notice the altar of Nossa Senhora da Purificação (Our Lady of Purification), which is a beautiful baroque example of the King D. João V style. It is one of several reasons why this church and its adjacent Convent were classified as National Monuments. They are commonly called the Church and Convent of Grilos (Crickets) because they belonged to the Friars of the Order of Saint Augustine who were known as the Crickets Brothers. The Museum of Sacred Art and Archaeology adjoins the Church and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10h to 18h. Guided tours are available, but make reservations ahead so they know the name and size of your group. There is no admission charge, but donations benefiting the Seminário Maior of Porto are encouraged.