Convent of Saint Mary of Semide

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Coimbra > Miranda do Corvo > Semide > Granja de Semide

Location

Located in Semide, in the parish of Semide and Rio Vide, in the municipality of Miranda do Corvo.

Current Use

The convent houses CEARTE, a professional training school, and a youth home run by Cáritas.

Convent Church

Serves as the parish church of Semide and is the annual venue for the Miranda do Corvo Choir Meeting.

Heritage Classification

Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1993.

Foundation

Established in 1154 by Martim Anaia, initially as a Benedictine monastery, transformed into a female convent in 1183.

History of Disasters

Suffered three significant fires, in 1664, 1964 and 1990, resulting in several reconstructions over the centuries.

Architectural and Artistic Elements

Church with a 17th-century wooden altarpiece and choir stalls, 18th-century tiles, 17th and 18th-century sculptures, and a 17th-century main altar. 18th-century pipe organ, restored in 2007.

Musical Tradition

The convent has a long musical tradition, evidenced by the existence and restoration of the pipe organ.

Historical Use

In 1931, it became a Professional School of Agriculture and Asylum, ceded to the General Board of the District of Coimbra.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Santa_Maria_de_Semide

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