Church Venerável Ordem Terceira de São Francisco

Unattractive on the outside but as intricate inside as a Fabergé egg, the Church of Saint Francis in Porto is a lavish feast of Baroque splendor. Its astonishingly intricate interior glitters with gilded finishes and gleaming woodwork. Take note of the polychrome Tree of Jesse altarpiece, as well as the craftsmanship of artisans Filipe da Silva and António Gomes, and don't forget to stop by the museum to see sacred art and portraits of long-departed bishops. You could spend a long weekend or a week here, strolling through the city, discovering contemporary art at the Serralves Foundation complex, and appreciating the history of Porto's old churches, such as the Sé and the Church of Saint Francis. Whatever you choose to see and do in this charming city, you'll leave with an understanding of Porto's diverse offerings, a few great photos, and, ideally, a bottle or two of its finest wine.