Convent of Saint Margaret of Aivado

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Évora > Évora > Nossa Senhora da Graça do Divor

Location

The Convent of Santa Margarida do Aivado is located in the Aivado Valley, in the area of Nossa Senhora da Graça do Divor, in the municipality of Évora. Integrated into the serene Quinta de Santa Margarida, the site is about five kilometers from the city of Évora, presenting a distinctive rural environment.

The rural surroundings are of remarkable beauty, characterized by the presence of aquatic elements and a diversity of vegetation, including pine trees, cypresses, fruit trees, and vineyards. This landscape offers a captivating visual depth, inviting contemplation and tranquility, within a context of natural peace.

The Roots of the Convent

The history of this place dates back to 1385, the year in which the Convent of Santa Margarida do Aivado was founded by Friar Rodrigo Fulcaz. Its construction was erected next to an existing hermitage, dedicated to Saint Margaret, thus integrating into a previous religious tradition.

Originally, the convent housed monks of the Order of the Paulists, also known as the Order of Saint Paul the Hermit. The architectural style that predominated in its original design was Gothic, reflecting the characteristics of the period of its foundation and the canons of conventual architecture of that era.

From Convent to Residence

The conventual life of Santa Margarida do Aivado ceased in 1834, with the extinction of religious orders in Portugal. This event marked a significant transition for the building, which left its religious function and was subsequently repurposed.

Since that date, the former convent has been transformed into a private residence. Despite its change of purpose, the place keeps alive the memory of its long history and its original identity, preserving the character and structure that define it as a remarkable landmark in the Aivado Valley.

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