Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Azambuja > Aveiras de Baixo > Virtudes
The Church of the Monastery of Our Lady of Virtues of the Order of Saint Francis is serenely located in the village of Aveiras de Baixo, specifically in the area of Virtudes, belonging to the municipality of Azambuja, in the district of Lisbon. This location, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban centers, lends the monument an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation, conducive to reflection and immersion in its historical and spiritual heritage.
Nestled within a landscape that evokes the rural charm and tranquility of the Ribatejo floodplain, the church and what remains of its monastery invite visitors to a peaceful stroll through the surroundings, where the enveloping nature harmonizes with the religious architecture, revealing one of its most striking aspects: its function as a space of faith and monastic life, set within a context of peace.
The history of the Church of the Monastery of Our Lady of Virtues dates back to the late 15th century, its foundation being linked to the Order of Saint Francis, a religious order distinguished by its message of simplicity, poverty, and devotion. Over the centuries, the monastery and its church served as a stage for Franciscan life, functioning as a center for prayer, study, and assistance to the local community, contributing to the dissemination of the Order's spiritual values in the region.
The 1755 earthquake, an indelible landmark in Portuguese history, significantly affected the monastery's original structure, leading to extensive reconstruction and restoration works in the subsequent years. This post-seismic intervention left its mark on the current configuration of the church, which today reflects the resilience and capacity for renewal of Portuguese heritage, while maintaining its centuries-old identity and devotional purpose.
The church features religious architecture that combines elements from its original foundation with interventions from later centuries, namely the Baroque influences resulting from the 18th-century reconstruction. Its interior, although it may denote the characteristic sobriety of mendicant orders, is enriched by details that invite careful observation, such as the layout of the single nave, which directs the gaze towards the chancel, the center of the liturgy.
The devotion to Our Lady of Virtues, which gives the monastic complex its name, permeates the ambiance of the site, highlighting the importance of the Virgin Mary in Christian faith and Franciscan spirituality. This symbolic aspect is an invitation to reflect on the theological and moral virtues that guided the lives of the friars who once inhabited this place and continue to inspire those who visit this space of faith and history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.08667479904499,-8.828437216638072
Coordinates DMS: 39°05'12.0"N 08°49'42.4"W
Weather Aveiras de Baixo
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