Convent of Our Lady of Exile

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Faro > Monchique > Monchique > Ceiceira

Location

The convent is situated on the slopes of the Serra de Monchique, in the area known as Ceiceira, a few minutes from the village of Monchique. This elevated position offers a wide and tranquil view over the village and the surrounding natural landscape, marked by abundant vegetation and the serene mountain atmosphere.

Access is via rural paths and local roads, placing the convent within a natural context that highlights its historical character and connection to the territory.

History and Foundation

Founded in 1631 by the friars of the Third Regular Order of Saint Francis, the convent is linked to a popular tradition involving a vow made by two seafarers in peril at sea, who swore to erect a church in the first Portuguese place they sighted upon their return.

This building suffered severe damage during the 1755 earthquake, but was subsequently rebuilt. The convent functioned until 1834, when it was closed as part of the dissolution of religious orders in Portugal. After that, it was sold and divided into several properties, eventually being abandoned and falling into ruin.

Architecture and Environment

The Convent of Our Lady of Exile (Nossa Senhora do Desterro) exhibits architecture typical of the Mannerist and Baroque periods, reflecting the transformations of the 17th century in Portugal. The building has a quadrangular plan, with a main nave, chancel, sacristy, central cloister, and various functional spaces such as cells and a refectory.

Notable features include the cloister with arcades decorated with tile panels illustrating the Stations of the Cross, and in the former refectory, there was a tile panel based on Leonardo da Vinci's work "The Last Supper". The complex also included an ancient monumental magnolia tree, which was a natural symbol of the site until its demise in 2016.

Cultural and Heritage Value

Dedicated to Our Lady of Exile (Nossa Senhora do Desterro), the convent preserves the religious and historical legacy of the region, despite its current state of ruin. The original image of the patroness was preserved in the Hermitage of Saint Sebastian, near the village.

The magnolia tree that grew there was classified as being of Public Interest and recognized as one of Monchique's natural symbols, having represented a special connection between the built heritage and the natural mountain environment.

Conservation and Future

The building has been the target of recovery and preservation efforts, in an attempt to ensure the safety and enhancement of the space. The convent was threatened by the wildfire that hit the Serra de Monchique in 2018, but was saved thanks to local interventions.

More recently, the property was included in state heritage protection programs, with the aim of recovering and adapting the space for new uses, without losing its historical and cultural identity.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Nossa_Senhora_do_Desterro_(Monchique)

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