Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Lourinhã > Lourinhã > Centro Histórico
The Convent of Santo António is situated in the heart of Lourinhã's historic center. It stands in a serene square, precisely opposite the building where the Palace of Justice operates, a central position that makes it easily visible and accessible. The convent's surroundings are marked by inviting walkways and a garden where a monument to D. Lourenço Vicente stands, offering a pleasant environment for those exploring the village.
Founded at the end of the 16th century, in 1598, by Capuchin friars of the Franciscan Order, this male convent is a testament to Lourinhã's profound religious history. Its construction, officially begun in 1601 with the support of influential patrons, developed over several centuries. After the extinction of religious orders in the 19th century, in 1834, the convent adapted, transforming into the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciação (Our Lady of the Annunciation). This change was crucial, as it replaced the old Mother Church, which was in ruins, ensuring the continuity of its central role in the community's life. The importance of the building is recognized by its status as a National Monument since 1910.
The architectural complex of the Convent of Santo António is a fascinating portrait of the eras it has spanned, displaying a blend of styles ranging from Mannerist to Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical. The church, with a single nave and a barrel-vaulted ceiling, underwent several interventions that shaped its current appearance. The main facade, facing east, stands out for its portal and the bell tower with a clock that rises beside it, a striking presence in Lourinhã's urban landscape.
One of the most emblematic areas of the convent is its two-story cloister. This space invites contemplation, with its surrounding galleries supported by Tuscan columns and a wooden ceiling. The cloister walls are adorned with a rich collection of azulejos. On the ground floor, patterns featuring children carrying fruit baskets capture attention, while on the upper floor, the azulejos display floral motifs in albarradas (stylized flower vases). These ceramic coverings, dating from the 18th and 20th centuries, tell stories and contribute to the unique atmosphere of the place.
The interior of the church reveals a remarkable artistic collection. The nave walls are covered with dado panels of azulejos featuring albarradas and frame fourteen paintings representing the Scenes from the Life of Christ. The side altars, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception) and the Sagrada Família de Nazaré (Holy Family of Nazareth), exhibit beautiful gilded woodcarving, predominantly from the 18th century. In the chancel, the decoration is equally rich, with Rococo azulejos illustrating scenes from Calvary and the life of Saint Anthony, and an altar with inlaid marbles. Also noteworthy is the tomb of D. Brás Henriques, a Mannerist piece of great historical value. Furthermore, the church houses valuable paintings, including works attributed to "Portuguese Primitives" and canvases by the renowned Josefa de Óbidos, such as the portrait of the "Two Cistercian Saints," which highlight their mystical expression through brushwork. The baptismal font, located in the grill-enclosed baptistery, has the particularity of having belonged to the old Mother Church, connecting the present to Lourinhã's past.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.242541,-9.3126432
Coordinates DMS: 39°14'33.1"N 09°18'45.5"W
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