Category: Religious Architecture > Convent
District: Portalegre > Avis > Avis > Pátio das Cisternas
Founded in the 13th century, the Convent of the Order of Avis, also known as the Monastery of São Bento de Avis, was the headquarters of one of the most important military orders in Portugal. This order had great influence in the region and gave rise to the Avis Dynasty, with D. João I, Master of Avis, as a central figure.
The Order of Avis, formerly called the Militia of the Friars of Évora, received the territory of Avis in 1211, donated by King D. Afonso II. Between 1214 and 1223, the friars transferred their headquarters to Avis, where they built the castle and the convent, forming what is now the town of Avis.
During its peak, the Order of Avis exercised great religious and military power in the town, to the point of not allowing the presence of other religious orders in the place. This shows the relevance it had in the history of the region.
Currently, only some parts of the original complex are preserved and open to visitation. Visitors can explore the Church, the Cloister, the Cistern, the Chapter Room (which now houses the Avis Municipal Museum) and the Refectory.
The Church was rebuilt in the early 17th century, following the design of the architect Baltazar Álvares, in a Church-Hall style. Later, at the end of the same century, the chancel was also reformed.
The Chapter Room, one of the preserved areas of the old convent, now functions as a museum, where tourists can learn more about the history of the region and the Order of Avis.
Despite the various changes and the abandonment of some parts of the convent over the centuries, the remaining areas still preserve the grandeur of the place and its historical importance. It is worth a visit to get to know this heritage of the Alentejo region up close.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.05622168853468,-7.889141010814858
Coordinates DMS: 39°03'22.4"N 07°53'20.9"W
Weather Avis
On-duty Pharmacy Avis
