Saint Lawrence Church

The Church and mirador of Saint Lawrence

The Porto audio-guided tour presents you with the Church of Saint Lawrence, known as the Church of the Crickets, more sober than its neighbours, and its mirador over the city.

The Church of the Crickets

Built by the Jesuits in 1577 in a Mannerist Baroque style, the Church of Saint Lawrence passed through several hands after the expulsion of the Society of Jesus by the Marquis of Pombal, before welcoming brothers from Spain. It is they who won the sympathy of the inhabitants and received the sweet nickname of "crickets": their chants heard at night recalled, persistent and melodious, the song of these insects. The building, restored several times, today houses a museum of sacred art, set in the former dormitory of the monks, where the liturgical objects draw a portrait of the religious and artistic history of Portugal.

What there is to see

The Church of Saint Lawrence invites contemplation through the sobriety of its Mannerist Baroque style, in contrast with the more gilded churches of Porto. Its museum of sacred art, in the former dormitory of the monks, sheds light on the religious history of the country. The neighbouring mirador offers a fine view over the city, making this stage a mix of spirituality and panorama.

Practical information

The Church of Saint Lawrence and its mirador are in the old town of Porto, near the cathedral. A place of worship and museum, the church can be visited with respect for the services, according to hours to be checked on site; the mirador is freely accessible.

Why is it called the Church of the Crickets?

Because of the chants of the brothers who settled there, whose nocturnal melodies recalled the song of the crickets.

What does the Church of Saint Lawrence house today?

A museum of sacred art, set in the former dormitory of the monks, rich in liturgical objects.