Convent of Jesus

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Viana do Alentejo > Quinta do Marco

Location

Located in Quinta do Marco, in Viana do Alentejo, this ancient convent is situated in an area further away from the town's urban centre. It is built on what was once called Terreiro das Freiras (Nuns' Courtyard), a space that evokes the conventual life that unfolded here. The main access is via Rua do Convento (Convent Street), giving the place an atmosphere of seclusion at the edge of the settlement.

Its History and Foundation

The Convent of Jesus, also known as the Monastery of Jesus, originated in the mid-16th century. Its foundation, in 1548, was due to the initiative of D. Brites da Coluna, who established an oratory in her residence. In 1553, with the license of Cardinal D. Henrique, Archbishop of Évora, the monastery was formally founded, intended for a female community of the Hieronymite Order, being the only house of this order for women in Portugal. The first stone of the new building was laid in 1554, marking the beginning of an important religious institution in the region.

Architectural and Artistic Features

Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Convent of Jesus features religious architecture characterized by its rectangular plan, integrating the church and conventual dependencies around a central cloister. On the main façade, above the white marble stonework portal, traces of mural paintings depicting angels can still be observed. The church façade is the oldest part, while the dormitory and infirmary wings were built in later periods.

Inside, the nave stands out with its barrel vault ceiling, decorated with geometric coffering. The cloister, with two floors and simple arcades, retains its original 16th-century design and was the heart of monastic life. In the old refectory, traces of mural paintings with vegetal motifs can be found, revealing the decorative richness that once filled the spaces. Elements like the pulpit and the white marble colonnades in the sacristy still bear witness to the grandeur and attention to detail of the construction.

Decline and Legacy

Over the centuries, the Convent of Jesus prospered, housing over sixty nuns and benefiting from significant donations, including properties and rents in the region. However, the 19th century brought its decline, culminating in the extinction of the convent in 1834. Its definitive closure occurred in 1901, when the most valuable assets were inventoried and, subsequently, selected for the National Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology, safeguarding part of its artistic and historical legacy. Currently, the building is vacant, serving as a silent echo of its rich and long existence.

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