Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos in Guimarães is a Baroque church on the Campo da Feira, beside the gardens of Largo da República do Brasil. Locals simply call it the Santos Passos church. Together with its five oratories depicting the Passion of Christ, it forms one of the city's most recognisable religious landmarks.

What is this church?

The building is an 18th-century example of Portuguese Baroque, raised to replace an earlier chapel that had fallen into disrepair. Today the complex combines the church, with two towers on its front façade, and the oratories arranged around it. Since 1993 the site has enjoyed state protection as a heritage monument.

How did it come about?

The story starts with a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation (Nossa Senhora da Consolação). Local tradition credits a townsman named Duarte Sodré with founding it. Sources disagree on the date, and some give 1576. A confraternity made up solely of students met there, and the Archbishop of Braga approved its statutes in 1594.

The present church was completed in 1785 to a design by André Soares, one of the leading Baroque architects of northern Portugal. The two front towers were added roughly a century later. They now define the church's profile on the city skyline.

What will you see?

• A tiled façade. Azulejo panels cover the front of the church and give it a bright, distinctive look.
• A grand stairway with balustrade. The approach climbs from the garden to the main portal and turns the square into a stage set.
• Five oratories. They illustrate successive scenes of the Passion and echo the devotional tradition tied to the church.
• The Largo da República do Brasil garden. Lawns, flower beds and clipped hedges make a pleasant stroll before or after your visit.

How do you get there?

The church sits in central Guimarães, at the end of the Alameda axis, at about 41.441 N, 8.290 W. From the UNESCO-listed old town it is a walk of around a quarter of an hour. The town is compact, so you do not need a car. Parking is available near the Campo da Feira.

When should you visit?

You can admire the exterior and the stairway in any season and at any hour. The afternoon tends to give the best light on the tiled façade. Opening hours for the interior depend on the parish and its services, so check the Guimarães municipal website or ask at the tourist office. Lent and Holy Week have a special atmosphere here, given the church's Passion dedication.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Santos Passos church the same as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação? Yes. Both names refer to one complex. The first chapel was dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation, and the name Santos Passos gradually took over in everyday use.

Who designed the current building? André Soares drew up the plans. Construction finished in 1785.

Is there an entrance fee? We found no information about a charge for viewing the exterior. You can walk around the façade and gardens freely. Check the rules for entering the interior on site.

How long does a visit take? Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the façade, stairway, oratories and garden. It pairs well with a walk through the historic centre.