Category: Religious Architecture > College
District: Faro > Portimão > Portimão > Centro
The Jesuit College is a religious monument located in Portimão, Algarve, Portugal. It consists of a large rectangular building with a church in the center, surrounded by old college wings.
The Jesuit College is considered one of the main monuments of the Algarve, standing out for its 17th-century architecture, which combines Mannerist and Baroque elements. It is a significant example of the artistic transition of that period.
The main façade of the College, facing the square, is impressive and divided into three parts. The central part corresponds to the church, while the lateral parts correspond to the old college wings. It presents a simple and symmetrical architecture, with stone portals and windows.
The church, dedicated to São Francisco Xavier (Saint Francis Xavier), is the main highlight of the Jesuit College. It has a single nave, covered by a barrel vault, with side chapels topped by tribunes. The baroque altarpieces in the chapels and the main chapel are decorated with rich gilded wood carvings (talha dourada).
The interior of the church features frescoes, religious images, a monstrance, and the mausoleum of D. Diogo Gonçalves. A Manueline arch, possibly from an older building, also stands out.
The Jesuit College was founded by D. Diogo Gonçalves, an important figure after the Restoration of Independence. According to tradition, he ordered the construction of the church as thanks for surviving a storm at sea. The college aimed to offer basic and religious education.
The convent was closed in 1834, with the extinction of religious orders, and has had various uses over time, such as a hospital, headquarters of the Parish Council, nursing home, and museum. The church was restored in 2008, after decades of closure.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colégio_dos_Jesuítas_(Portimão)
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.13941,-8.53758
Coordinates DMS: 37°08'21.9"N 08°32'15.3"W
Weather Portimão
On-duty Pharmacy Portimão
