Convent of Our Lady of Grace or Convent of the Hermitesses of Saint Augustine

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Faro > Tavira > Tavira > Vila-A-Dentro

Location

Located in Tavira, in the parish of Santa Maria e Santiago, near the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo.

Historic Inn

Since 2006, after restoration works, the convent was transformed into the Pousada do Convento da Graça, part of the Pousadas de Portugal group.

Monument of Public Interest

It was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2012, highlighting its historical and cultural value.

Origin and Construction

The construction of the convent began around 1542, driven by the friars of the Order of Saint Augustine. The work was initially led by Pedro de Vila Viçosa and later by Frei João de S. José, who continued the project around 1568.

Cultural and Educational Importance

Under the direction of Frei João de S. José, the convent became an important center of culture and education in Tavira. In 1575, the Bishop of Silves, Jerónimo Osório, created in this convent a school dedicated to the teaching of Moral Theology, Sacraments and Canon Law, both for the clergy and the general population.

Military Use

During the Liberalism period, the convent was ceded to the Ministry of the Army and transformed into the Quartel da Graça, being used as the headquarters of the Batalhão de Caçadores nº5 since 1837.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Nossa_Senhora_da_Graça_(Tavira)

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