Chapel of the former Convent of Salvador

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Braga > Braga > Braga > São João do Souto

Location

The Chapel of the former Convent of Salvador is located in Conde de Agrolongo Square, in the old parish of São João do Souto, in Braga, Portugal.

Historical Significance

The chapel has been a Property of Public Interest since 1959, recognizing its architectural and cultural relevance.

Origin of the Convent

The Convent of Salvador was founded in 1528 by order of King João III of Portugal and Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa. It was established to house the nuns of the Monastery of Vitorino das Donas, in Ponte de Lima.

Transfer to Braga

Only in 1602 did the nuns of the Monastery of Vitorino das Donas settle in the city of Braga, in the primitive monastery of the Convent of Salvador.

Construction of the Chapel

The nave of the new church was completed in 1616, with emphasis on the panels of the main altarpiece, painted by the artist Gonçalo Coelho in 1625. In 1630, the interior of the church was covered with tiles.

Additions and Improvements

During the 18th century, several additions were made to the convent, including the construction of the main altarpiece in 1718, the creation of the new pulpit in 1730, and the installation of the organ in 1736. In 1738, the bell tower was erected.

Later Transformations

In 1834, with the extinction of religious orders, the convent passed into the hands of the State. In 1893, it was converted into a Hospice for the Poor and, later, in 1908, a new building was constructed to house the institution, under the patronage of José Francisco Correia, Count of Agrolongo.

Conde de Agrolongo Home

In 1975, the institution became known as Lar Conde de Agrolongo (Conde de Agrolongo Home), and the former convent became its headquarters. The site still houses the home to this day.