Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Valega

Well, if you want to see the "most beautifull" tiles ever... yes, you must go there! But besides tiles and food (every restaurant is a party for your senses) there's nothing else to see there. You can go by train, but the train station is not IN the city, so you need a taxi afterwards.

Besides the exterieur, inside the church is also very nice.

This is completely "off the beaten path", don't realize how you've ever heard of it. So, as a not touristic place, you will be like ET if you go there. But relax, everybody just wants to meet you and have a talk. They are good people there. Very good people. Probably a litle bit ashamed, but just ask for something (what to eat, what to drink, where to go) they will open theirs hearts and houses.

Forgot to tell... we just call it "Igreja de Válega". No need for the full name. And the name of the village is Válega. The train departs from Campanhã (or São Bento, as all the trains departing from São Bento has a valid ticket to destiny).

Obrigado Helena. So, we can go there from Porto. Or, do you think it will be easier from Aveiro ? This church is more than beautiful, it is out of this world (as I have seen in videos). Thank you for your help.

Sampa, I just sent a message to 2 of my friends that live there. You see... I use a car, not sure about trains being better from Porto or Aveiro (but I think it's the same). Anyway, as soon as they answer my request I will let you know.

The church, and the tiles, are absolutely gorgeous, but me... I prefer the blue and white stile, in tiles, like "Capela das Almas" or "Igreja do Carmo". (souls chapel and Carmo's church, both in Porto). However I must agree that this is a one time experience, and it is (was? where did you find it?) a secret of Portugal. We still have many, but everyday we have less.

Will come back soon.

Hi Sampa.

One of my friends replied. So you just have to take a train from Porto to Aveiro that stops in every station (you can ask at the guichet). Then you leave the train at Válega. And walk a litle bit. Válega is a small villae, so it is easy to find the church!

Thank you so much Helena. Please thank your friend as well on our behalf. Hope that we can finally visit. Planning for July.

Hello Helena,
We just got back yesterday. We visited Igreja Matriz. Went to Valega and walked about 25 minutes each way. It is amazingly beautiful. Pictures do not do justice. Had a nice, long visit there.
Thank you for your help.
Best,
Sampa

Does anyone know the hours the church is open? If we go, we will be going out of our way to visit the church and we would like to be sure it will be open.

Thanks to anyone who has any information or knows where I can find it.