Church of Saint Francis

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Braga > Guimarães > Guimarães > Oliveira, São Paio e São Sebastião

Location

The Church of São Francisco (Saint Francis) is located in the parish of São Sebastião, in the municipality of Guimarães, in the district of Braga, Portugal.

History

- The history of the Franciscan Order in Guimarães begins in 1217 with the arrival of friar Frei Guálter.

- The first convent was built in 1271, but had to be demolished in 1325 by order of D. Dinis, due to its location next to the city walls.

- In 1400, D. João I ordered the convent to be rebuilt on the site where it is currently located. The work was completed throughout the 15th century, and the Gothic apse of the church was completed in 1461.

- The Duchess of Bragança, D. Constança de Noronha, was buried in the church after entering the Third Order of Saint Francis.

Architecture and Art

- The convent has medieval vestiges, with emphasis on the polygonal central apse and the smaller apsidioles, typical of the Gothic style.

- The large windows of the apse are large and subdivided, with details that resemble the architecture of the Monastery of Batalha.

- The church underwent a major renovation between 1746 and 1749, which altered its original structure from three naves to a single nave.

- The interior is decorated with gilded wood carvings, the main one in the chancel being made by Manuel da Costa Andrade in 1743, inspired by the altarpiece of the Porto Cathedral.

- The Gothic chancel is separated from the transept by a large gilded wood arch, with the coat of arms of D. João I.

- The cloister, built from 1591, is an important Mannerist work by Gonçalo Lopes.

Highlights Not To Be Missed

- The tomb of D. Constança de Noronha, in the chancel, with her recumbent profile.

- The impressive gilded wood altarpiece of the chancel, with figures of Franciscan saints.

- The white and blue tiles of the transept, dating from the 18th century.

- The two-story Mannerist cloister, a significant example of the art of Guimarães.

Recommended Visit

The Church of São Francisco offers a rich cultural experience, with the possibility of admiring medieval architecture, Baroque works of art, and modifications made over the centuries. Ideal for those who appreciate history and religious art.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_São_Francisco_(Guimarães)

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