Convent of Saint Anthony of the Capuchos

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Faro > Faro > Faro > Sé e São Pedro

Location

Situated in the heart of the city of Faro, in the Sé and São Pedro area, the Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos is located in an area of great historical relevance. Originally built on the outskirts of the Algarve city, the convent was, over time, integrated into the urban perimeter as the city expanded and the 17th-century walls were built.

Its current position, close to the riverside area of the historic center, allows for easy connection to other points of interest in the city, revealing the evolution and transformation of Faro's urban fabric over the centuries.

A Secular Trajectory

This remarkable building, which stands in Faro since the 17th century, has a rich and multifaceted history. Its construction began in 1620, on the initiative of D. João Coutinho, then Bishop of the Algarve, and the convent church was inaugurated in 1622. It served as a residence for the Capuchin friars, a Franciscan order, who settled here in Faro.

After the extinction of religious orders in Portugal in the 19th century, the convent lost its original function. Throughout the 20th century, the complex was adapted and served various purposes, including facilities for the Republican National Guard and, for a period, as a district prison. Currently, the church maintains its religious functions, specifically as a mortuary chapel, while part of the old convent dependencies continues to be used by the Republican National Guard. Its historical and architectural importance was recognized with its classification as a Monument of Public Interest.

Artistic and Architectural Details

The architecture of the Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos, simple and ground-level in style, hides a surprising artistic richness within. The main façade of the church, facing east, stands out for its three arches that provide access to a narthex and a triangular gable topped by a stone cross. It is also possible to observe two bell towers, one of which is still equipped with a bell.

Inside, visitors can appreciate a small cloister, a space of tranquility and reflection. The church is a true treasure of Baroque art, notable for the exuberance of the gilded carving that covers the triumphal arch and the side altarpieces. The walls display stunning Baroque tilework, with figurative panels in blue and white tones that decorate both the nave and the chancel, inviting careful and detailed observation.

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