Convent of São Bernardo

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Portalegre > Sé

Location

The Convent of São Bernardo is located in the city of Portalegre, within the area known as Sé (Cathedral Quarter). Its location offers a privileged perspective over the city's urban fabric, with views extending to the natural surroundings of the Serra de São Mamede (São Mamede Mountain Range), a striking element in the landscape. The convent also retains its extensive historic grounds, which preserve the characteristic agricultural ambiance that once defined these Cistercian foundations.

History and Purpose

Founded in 1518 by the Bishop of Guarda, D. Jorge de Melo, this building began as a female monastery of the Cistercian Order, intended to house young women without a dowry who wished to pursue a religious life. Although construction work began in 1526, the church's consecration only took place in 1572, reflecting a long period of building. Over the centuries, the complex underwent various phases of transformation, blending 16th-century architectural styles, such as Manueline and Renaissance, with 18th-century interventions that added Baroque elements. In 1910, the church and the founder's tomb were classified as a National Monument, a status extended to the cloisters in 1957. After the dissolution of religious orders in Portugal, the convent had different uses, including a seminary and barracks, and today functions as a training center for the National Republican Guard.

Interior and Architectural Details

The convent entrance is preceded by a porch, likely dating from the 17th century, which invites us into a vast courtyard. Inside the church, the cruciform plan and its three naves reveal the imposing nature of the construction. The pulpit, crafted from Estremoz marble in the 16th century, displays rich decoration with grotesque motifs. The side chapels, transept, and main nave are adorned with 18th-century tile panels, predominantly in blue and white, illustrating episodes from the life of Saint Bernard.

The monastery incorporates two cloisters, central spaces that invite contemplation. The eastern cloister, the oldest, retains its quadrangular form and includes a practically intact chapter house. The western cloister, larger in size, features a central granite fountain and vaulted galleries, with capitals meticulously decorated with vegetal, human, and hybrid figures, revealing the artistic mastery of the period.

The Founder's Tomb

Within the church lies one of the most unique elements of the Convent of São Bernardo: the tomb of D. Jorge de Melo. This magnificent work, considered one of the largest and most sumptuous Renaissance tombs in Portugal, was executed in Estremoz marble between 1535 and 1540. With a height of twelve meters and a width of seven meters, its impressive scale led King Philip II of Spain, during his visit to Portalegre, to describe it as "a large cage for such a small bird."

The tomb is a true gallery of sculpted art, highlighting the figures of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, the busts of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and the effigy of D. Jorge de Melo. The richness of the details, which include grotesque motifs, reflects the artistic erudition of the period. Its authorship is generally attributed to Nicolau de Chanterenne, although some mysteries and debates persist regarding its elaborate iconographies and the possible involvement of more than one master sculptor.

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