Santa Marinha da Costa Monastery

Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery

District: Braga > Guimarães > Guimarães > Costa

Location

The Monastery of Santa Marinha da Costa is situated on the slopes of Penha, overlooking the city of Guimarães, in the parish of Costa.

History

The Monastery dates back to the 9th century and was built on vestiges of pre-Romanesque and Romanesque occupations. It was originally a temple and possibly the palatial residences of the Counts of Portugal. In the 11th century, it became a monastery of Canons Regular of St. Augustine and later, in the 16th century, housed the Order of Saint Jerome. It underwent several expansions and renovations throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

Classification

The Monastery of Santa Marinha da Costa is a property of public interest and is considered a Historic Inn, being part of the Pousadas de Portugal network.

Restoration and Conversion

After a devastating fire in 1951, the building was abandoned until it was acquired by the State in 1972. Five years later, restoration work began to transform it into a pousada (inn). The reconstruction project was designed by the architect Fernando Távora.

The Inn

The inn occupies a part of the Monastery and has modern rooms and facilities, while maintaining the historical atmosphere. The facade features a two-story body, where the inn areas are located. The decoration of the rooms contrasts with the rest of the building.

Architectural Highlights

During a visit to the inn, it is possible to see pre-Romanesque and Romanesque archaeological remains exposed on the walls. The tiles are abundant, especially in the accesses to the Noble Hall and the Chapter Room. The balcony of São Jerónimo, in the corridor of the monastic cells, offers a charming view of the garden.

Garden and Surroundings

The garden surrounding the Monastery is preserved, with avenues lined with centuries-old trees. The garden also has an old restored mill and a circular tank fed by a small watercourse. The base of a tower with a Mozarabic door stands out in the northwest corner of the cloister.

Awards and Recognition

The restoration and conversion project of the monastery into an inn was awarded the "National Architecture Prize" in 1987.

Nearby Activities

In addition to exploring the Monastery and enjoying your stay at the inn, tourists can take the opportunity to visit the historic city of Guimarães, which is considered the birthplace of Portugal and has a charming medieval center.