Convento dos Lóios or Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro e Santo Antão

Location

The Convento dos Lóios is situated in the heart of the historic center of Évora, a World Heritage city. Its location is privileged, set within an urban fabric that reveals centuries of history, where the heritage of different eras is manifested in every street. Built in a central and prominent area, it allows one to absorb the unique atmosphere of the old Alentejo city, feeling its deep connection to the past.

History and Legacy

The history of the Convento dos Lóios dates back to the 15th century, having been built on the ruins of a medieval castle, a foundation that attests to its deep connection to the past of the city of Évora. This important religious building was established at the initiative of D. Rodrigo de Melo, Count of Tentúgal. It served as a house for the Canons Regular of Saint John the Evangelist, popularly known as the Lóios, who settled here and contributed to its spiritual and architectural development over the centuries. The convent witnessed several periods of transformation, including the challenges posed by the 1755 earthquake, which required restoration work, and its subsequent adaptation after the extinction of religious orders in Portugal in the 19th century.

Architectural and Artistic Expression

The Convento dos Lóios is a remarkable example of architecture, displaying a harmonious blend of styles that reflect the various eras of its construction and restoration. Gothic and Manueline elements predominate, visible in its facade and in the structure of the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. Inside the church, the Main Chapel stands out, covered by a sumptuous collection of 18th-century tiles in shades of blue and white, which narrate biblical and allegorical episodes with impressive richness of detail. The sobriety of the naves contrasts with the opulence of the decorative elements. It is also in this space that the tomb of its founder, D. Rodrigo de Melo, is found, a piece of great artistic and symbolic value. The convent's cloister, although with adapted functions, maintains its original structure, with an elegant arcade that frames a central courtyard, inviting contemplation of the beauty of the architectural ensemble.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_dos_Lóios_(Évora)

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