Convent of Saint Benedict of Castris

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Malagueira

Location

, Located in the parish of Malagueira and Horta das Figueiras, in the municipality of Évora.

, Approximately 2 km from Portas da Lagoa, in the direction of Arraiolos.

Architecture

, Style: combines Late Gothic and Manueline elements.

, Highlights: church vaults, vast cloister, chapter house, and refectory.

, Exterior: notable for the overlapping roofs, pavilions, and bell towers, creating a picturesque visual.

History

, Founded in 1274 by D. Urraca Ximenes.

, Belonged to the Order of Cister, being the oldest female Cistercian monastery south of the Tagus.

Historical Significance

, Was involved in the dynastic crisis of 1383-1385, during which the abbess D. Joana Peres Ferreirim was killed in Praça do Giraldo.

Evolution and Uses

, Religious life ended in 1890 with the death of the last nun, Sister Maria Joana Isabel Baptista.

, Subsequently, the buildings served as an Agricultural School and later as the male section of Casa Pia de Évora (1960-2005).

Vandalism and Recent Projects

, In 2011, the convent was vandalized and one of the bells was stolen.

, In 2015, the Sphera Cástris project was launched, aiming at the creation of business clusters, development laboratories, artistic residences, and agricultural development activities. This project aims to integrate science, heritage, and contemporary art to promote the economic development of Évora and the region.

Revitalization

, In 2017, the Casa da Capelania began to be revitalized by the Regional Directorate of Culture of Alentejo.

, The International Cistercian Religious Community, composed of Brazilian Benedictine monks, participates in the project to maintain the religious character of the monastery.

, The monastery church is expected to be used again for religious services, reintegrating the monastery into the cultural and religious life of Évora.

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

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