São Bento Station in Porto: the tiled hall and visiting tips

Updated on October 18, 2026

São Bento station (Estação de São Bento), on Praça Almeida Garrett, is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe, above all for its entrance hall. Its walls are covered with around 20,000 blue-and-white azulejos painted by Jorge Colaço, telling the story of Portugal and the rural life of the North. The hall is open to all, free of charge, every day: just push the door, no ticket or reservation needed. The station was built on the site of the former Benedictine monastery of São Bento de Avé-Maria, to plans by the architect José Marques da Silva, in a Beaux-Arts style. Inaugurated in 1916, it is still in service for urban and regional trains.

Highlights

The azulejo panels

Laid between 1905 and 1916, Jorge Colaço's large panels depict episodes from national history: the Battle of Valdevez (1140), King John I's entry into Porto or the conquest of Ceuta (1415). The lower friezes show scenes of country life, grape harvests and pilgrimages.

The hall and its skylight

The high-ceilinged main vestibule is lit by tall windows. You can walk through it in a few minutes, but morning light and late afternoon are best for photos.

Platforms and trains

Urban and regional trains of CP (Comboios de Portugal) leave from or pass through São Bento, with a connection at Campanhã to the rest of the country. Check your train's departure station on the CP website: some services leave from Campanhã.

Practical info

Tips

The hall is a thoroughfare: it is busy at rush hour, so come early in the morning to take photos without the crowd. Watch your belongings, as in any busy station. The station combines well with the Clérigos Tower and the Sé cathedral, both a few minutes' walk away. Information checked in October 2026.

How to get there

Praça Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, in the heart of the historic centre. São Bento metro station is right in front of the station (several lines). On foot, the station is 5 minutes from the Avenida dos Aliados and 10 minutes from the Ribeira.