Monastery of Our Lady of the Castle of the Caves (ruins) of Monfurado

Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > Santiago do Escoural > Monfurado

Location

The ruins of the Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Castelo das Covas are situated in a profoundly rural and isolated environment, nestled in the Serra de Monfurado, near the locality of Santiago do Escoural, in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo. This site is set within a natural landscape of great value, forming part of the Monfurado Site of Community Interest, an area protected by the Natura 2000 network. Its position in the mountains offers a serene setting and an opportunity for contact with Alentejo nature.

The Hermitic Roots and Foundation

The history of this monastery dates back to the early 18th century, when a group of hermits from the Order of Saint Paul, known as Paulistas, chose this secluded corner of the Serra de Monfurado to settle. These monks lived in "lapas" or underground caves, which lends a singular aura to the monastery's foundation and explains part of its name. The choice of this isolated location reflects the pursuit of a life of contemplation and seclusion, typical of hermitic orders. It was in 1738 that the first mass was celebrated on the monastery's premises, marking the beginning of its organized conventual life.

The Legacy of 18th-Century Architecture

Although it stands in ruins today, the Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Castelo das Covas once boasted significant 18th-century religious architecture. Its original plan comprised a complex that included not only the convent but also an annexed small palace, suggesting a construction of some size and importance for the era. Particularly notable would have been the mural paintings that adorned the church's chancel, bearing witness to the artistic and religious splendor of the space before its decline. The devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake and the abandonment after the dissolution of religious orders in 1834 contributed to its current state of degradation, but the ruins still allow a glimpse of the imposing structure that once stood there.

A Corner for Reflection

Visiting the Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Castelo das Covas, in its current state of ruin and isolation, offers an experience of reflection and tranquility. The silence of the mountains and the desolate atmosphere of the site invite a pause from routine. It is a space where nature and history intertwine, and where one can feel the presence of a past dedicated to faith and seclusion. Its "under study" status indicates that the history of this place may still be further explored or that its future is being considered, adding a layer of mystery and expectation to the visit.

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