The eight-pointed Maltese cross above the main door points to an unexpected chapter in this church’s past: it belonged to the Order of Malta. When you are safely stopped on the pavement, take a moment with that symbol; it links this modest church in Aldoar to an ancient religious and military order with roots far beyond Porto. Construction began in 1732, and the church opened on 27 March 1738.
Its first form was simple: one nave and one tower. Later, as Aldoar became part of Porto and its population grew, the parish needed a roomier place of worship. This building therefore ceased to be the parish church, a role now held by the newer Igreja Matriz de Aldoar.
The connection with the Order of Malta remains active rather than decorative. The Portuguese Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta hold their monthly northern celebrations here. The same eight-pointed cross also appears on Aldoar’s parish coat of arms. Although the church carries nearly three centuries of local history, it has no legal heritage protection.
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