Category: Religious Architecture > Convent
District: Braga > Cabeceiras de Basto > Raposeira > Refojos de Basto
The Convent of Refóios, also known as the Monastery of São Miguel de Refojos de Basto, stands in the pleasant locality of Raposeira, in Refojos de Basto, municipality of Cabeceiras de Basto, in the district of Braga. Its setting amidst a rural and verdant landscape gives it an atmosphere of serenity and seclusion, characteristic of its original purpose.
Harmoniously integrated into its surroundings, the monastic complex benefits from a position that allows one to glimpse the typical Minho landscape, with its cultivated fields and gently undulating hills. It is a place that invites the quiet observation of nature and architecture, offering a haven of peace.
The history of the Monastery of São Miguel de Refojos dates back to medieval times, with its foundation linked to the Order of Saint Benedict, the Benedictines, who established an important center of monastic life here. Over the centuries, the monastery prospered, becoming a hub of cultural and spiritual development in the Basto region.
The edifice observed today is, in large part, the result of a profound campaign of reconstruction and expansion carried out in the 18th century, a golden period for the Baroque in Portugal. This renovation bestowed upon the monastery the grandeur and artistic richness that still distinguish it today, bearing witness to the power and influence of the Benedictine order at that time.
The Church of São Miguel de Refojos, the heart of the conventual complex, is a remarkable example of 18th-century Baroque. Its majestic and balanced façade stands out for its use of local granite, skillfully carved to create rich and expressive decorative elements that culminate in a portal of great grandeur.
Inside, the church features a single-nave plan, with an impressive decorative exuberance. The profuse gilded carving covers the side altarpieces, the pulpits, and the high choir stalls, creating an atmosphere of opulence and light. The main altar, in particular, is a magnificent work of carpentry and carving, a dazzling example of national Baroque, captivating with its scale and intricate detail.
The Sacristy of the Convent of Refóios is, in itself, a space of great interest, revealing the attention to detail and the refinement of monastic art. This room houses period furniture, made of noble woods, designed for liturgical function, reflecting the aesthetics and functionality of the 18th century, with its built-in carved cabinets.
Notably, there is an elegant marble lavabo, with sculpted details and its decorative fountain, which highlights the artisanal sophistication of the era. The Sacristy is an invitation to contemplate monastic daily life and the beauty of the objects that accompanied religious ceremonies and conventual life.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosteiro_de_São_Miguel_de_Refojos_de_Basto
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5135283,-7.9935469
Coordinates DMS: 41°30'48.7"N 07°59'36.8"W
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