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Blue and white azulejo tile panels and an arched window in the hall of São Bento station

Station

São Bento Station

Even if you are not catching a train, step inside São Bento. Its entrance hall is lined with some of the finest azulejo tile panels in Portugal.

The tiles

The station opened in 1916 on the site of a former convent. Its entrance hall is covered in around 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles by the painter Jorge Colaço. The large panels show historic battles and royal events, framed by scenes of everyday life in the countryside.

Still a working station

São Bento is a busy station for urban and regional trains. From here you can travel along the Douro line towards Peso da Régua and Pinhão, or north to Braga and Guimarães. The São Bento metro stop on line D is right outside.

Tips

  • Visit early in the morning or in the evening, when the hall is quieter.
  • Stand back from the walls to take in the full panels, then move closer to see the detail of the brushwork.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings: the hall is busy with travellers and tour groups.
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