Monastery of Serra do Pilar
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
A round monastery on a hilltop on the Gaia side. Its viewing platform faces the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge and the full panorama of the Ribeira old town.
The Monastery of Serra do Pilar was built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its rare circular church and circular cloister are representative of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, and the monastery is included in Porto’s Historic Centre World Heritage Site. The viewing platform in front of the monastery sits high on the south bank of the Douro, facing the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge and, across the river, the tiered Ribeira old town and cathedral. It is the best spot to photograph Porto’s panorama and sunset, and it is free to access. A small fee applies to enter the monastery and climb the dome. From the city center, walk across the upper deck of the bridge, or take Metro Line D to Jardim do Morro station. Morro Garden nearby often has street music in the evening.
Opening hours
Viewpoint open all day; monastery approx. 10:00 am–6:00 pm (closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Dom Luís I Bridge
- Teleférico de Gaia
- Ribeira
- Porto Cathedral
- São Bento Railway Station
- Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
- Palácio da Bolsa
- Church of São Francisco