In a city defined by churches that blend Baroque granite with Azulejos, the Igreja de Cristo Rei stands as a statement of the 20th century. Completed in 1954, this church was the anchor for the Dominican Order’s return to Porto after over a century of exile.

Its architecture does not rely on gold or the typical older charm. Instead, it uses lighter colours and Portuguese pavements to welcome its visitors. It reminds us that sacred spaces do not always need to look back to the past; they can be built to reflect the clarity and forward-looking spirit of the modern age. And, it manages to bring people together unified, perhaps that is all that matters anyway.