Monastery of Saint Andrew of Rendufe or Monastery of Rendufe

Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery

District: Braga > Amares > Rendufe > Avenida

Location

Located in Rendufe, municipality of Amares, district of Braga.

Classification

Classified as a Public Interest Property since 1943.

History

Founded in the 11th century, it was an important monastery of the Order of Saint Benedict. Over the centuries, it underwent several expansions, the largest of which was in the 18th century. After the extinction of religious orders in 1834, the church became a parish church and the rest of the monastery fell into decay.

Architecture

The church has a symmetrical façade with two bell towers and an impressive gilded wood carving altarpiece in the Rococo style, one of the most notable in northern Portugal.

Current State

It suffered significant damage, including a fire in 1877 and the collapse of the church roof in 1960. It has been the target of conservation works, but part of the monastery remains in ruins.

Revive Program

In 2016, the State attempted to recover the space through a tourism project, foreseeing the conversion of the monastery into a hotel. However, the company responsible for the concession withdrew from the project in 2024.