Pousada de São Francisco

Category: Nature > Park

District: Beja > Beja > Beja > Centro Histórico

Location

Pousada de São Francisco is located in the heart of the city of Beja, nestled within its vibrant Historic Centre. This location allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the locality and its centuries-old legacy.

Originally, the convent that gave rise to this space was built outside the walls of the old city, in the southern area, occupying a position that offered a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape.

The Origins of a Centenary Legacy

The history of the Convent of São Francisco, where the Pousada is located today, dates back to the 13th century. In November 1268, the Franciscan community was established in Beja, an initiative of the chief alcaide Lopo Esteves, with land generously donated by Paio Pires.

The long construction process of the convent, which spanned almost a century, received royal support. King D. Afonso III contributed a legacy for the works, and D. Dinis, in 1302, ordered the construction of a chapel in honour of Saint Louis, a gesture of gratitude after an incident on a hunting trip.

Transformations and Architectural Memories

Throughout the 15th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the convent underwent significant modifications, which included the construction of a new chapel and a general remodelling that altered its initial configuration.

One of the most remarkable moments of the 15th century was the creation of the family pantheon of João Freire de Andrade, an important figure in the conquest of Ceuta. This space, known as the Hall of Tombs, was integrated into the chapel, distinguished by a marble tomb bearing the family's coats of arms.

After the dissolution of male religious orders in 1834, the building underwent profound decharacterisation. Part of its contents was redistributed, and from 1850 onwards, the space was adapted to serve as a military barracks. During this phase, artistic elements such as frescoes were covered, openings were sealed, and the church itself was internally divided.

Despite these interventions that altered its essence, the 15th-century Gothic chapel and its Hall of Tombs resisted, preserving important testimonies to the site's architectural and historical richness. The Hall of Tombs is, in fact, classified as a Public Interest Property since 1939.

The Recovery and Valorisation of Heritage

Between 1993 and 1995, the old convent underwent an extensive and meticulous rehabilitation project. This intervention aimed to restore the building's original dignity, which involved the removal of structures introduced in later phases, such as the reinforced concrete slab that divided the church space.

A central aspect of this recovery was the careful restoration of the frescoes adorning the vaults of the Chapter Hall and the Hall of Tombs, revealing art that had remained hidden for a long time. The convent's exterior space was also enhanced, with the creation of a garden whose landscape design was authored by the renowned architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, contributing to a harmonious integration of the historical architecture with its natural surroundings.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt