Flor da Rosa Monastery

Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery

District: Portalegre > Crato > Flor da Rosa > Mosteiro

Location

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Flor da Rosa is located in the town of Flor da Rosa, in the municipality of Crato, an area of the Alentejo plains. Its presence is striking in the urban environment that inherited its name, standing out for the imposing nature of its constructions that rise in the local landscape, offering a view over the surroundings.

Origins of an Order

The history of the Monastery of Santa Maria de Flor da Rosa dates back to the 14th century, being intrinsically linked to the Order of the Hospital. In 1340, with the transfer of the headquarters of this military and religious order to Crato, a new chapter began. It was then, in 1356, that D. Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira, the first Prior of Crato and father of the notable Constable D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, promoted the construction of this monumental complex.

His purpose was to build the mother house of the Order in Portugal, a place that, from the 16th century onwards, would be recognized as the Monastery of the Order of Malta. The tomb of the founder, D. Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira, crafted in Estremoz marble, can be visited inside the monastery, serving as a testament to its foundation and legacy.

Centuries of Architecture

This remarkable monument is considered one of the most original examples of fortified Gothic architecture in Portugal. Its architecture is a true testament to the passage of time and the various functions it performed, evolving through different eras.

Initially, in the 14th century, the complex took the form of a fortress, reflecting a robust military architecture. Over the centuries, this defensive structure was adapted and expanded. The complex includes an impressive Gothic-style church-fortress, a palace with Gothic features that already incorporate 16th-century alterations, and conventual dependencies exhibiting Renaissance and Mudejar influences. Its structure was expanded during the time of D. Manuel I, transforming into a Royal Palace, and, despite having suffered significant damage, such as that caused by the 1755 earthquake and a storm in 1897, successive interventions throughout the 20th century sought to preserve its original essence.

Heritage and Visit

Recognized for its uniqueness and historical value, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Flor da Rosa was classified as a National Monument in 1910. In the late 20th century, part of the complex underwent careful rehabilitation and adaptation work, a project that sought to respect the architectural grandeur of the building.

In addition to its architectural monumentality, the monastery currently houses a museum nucleus dedicated to Medieval Sculpture, which includes pieces belonging to the National Museum of Ancient Art. This space allows for a greater understanding of the artistic and historical richness of the site, offering visitors a glimpse into its glorious past and the importance of the Order that founded it.

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